The new Bunnings Warehouse in Frenchs Forest is the largest, five storey hardware complex in the country, marking a major change for shoppers and trade workers in the area.
The project reached completion after almost four years of work following the demolition of the former Australia Post distribution centre at the corner of Warringah Road and Allambie Road.
The store welcomed customers on Monday, 1 December 2025. The forty eight million dollar build includes three retail levels, a ground floor trade yard and a rooftop nursery.
New Features Across The Site
Reports state the store covers about twenty thousand square metres with 101 aisles, and staff say the size makes it easy to get lost without a map. The layout includes a new kitchen design centre and the first Beaumont Tiles section inside a Bunnings in New South Wales. More than 400 parking spaces support local traffic.
The ground level features one of the largest enclosed timber and trade yards in Australia with several pick up lanes. Upper levels offer outdoor settings, plants, paint, tools, seasonal goods and a rooftop nursery for gardening products and popular plant varieties.
Local Jobs And Community Impact
The Frenchs Forest site brings about one hundred and twenty new jobs to the area. Staff ages range from teenagers starting their first employment to workers in their eighties who continue to serve in hardware roles.
Several new staff members have described the workplace as supportive and enjoyable, with strong teamwork across its departments. Store manager Paul Burgess has said the project reflects a significant investment in the community.
He noted that residents often asked him about the opening schedule while preparing for launch. He previously managed the Balgowlah store and stated that the new site offers more space, improved layouts and easier movement between sections.
Part Of Wider Growth
Bunnings is in a strong growth phase across Australia, with more than three hundred stores now operating. New sites in Portland, Mount Barker and Oxley show its push into fast growing areas. Perth’s Maddington site has fresh approval, and recent property moves in Sydney and other states add to the momentum.
The new Frenchs Forest store gives locals quicker access to home improvement goods, trade services and lifestyle products. A mid December launch event will welcome the community with simple activities and family friendly fun.
A new six-storey, 146-room Nightcap Hotel has been proposed in Frenchs Forest, aiming to meet growing demand for affordable accommodation for both business and leisure travellers across the Northern Beaches.
The proposed $57 million development has been lodged by ALH Group, the hospitality division of Endeavour Group, which operates the neighbouring Forest Hotel and Dan Murphy’s on Frenchs Forest Road East. The new hotel would occupy the vacant land directly behind these existing venues.
Plans detail a budget-focused design that excludes bar and restaurant facilities, instead offering practical amenities such as self check-in, free Wi-Fi, a gym, a boardroom, and 297 on-site parking spaces. The concept follows the Nightcap Hotels model, focusing on accessible pricing and convenience for short-term stays.
Photo Credit: Mod2025/0381
Project Background
This proposal continues a long-running redevelopment process for the site. A previous development approval (DA) for a hotel or motel was first granted in 2018, but a revised 2022 plan for a seven-storey, 149-room hotel with a restaurant and bar was later withdrawn. The current version, lodged in July 2025, modifies that earlier consent, scaling the project back to six storeys and removing food and beverage operations to streamline costs and approvals.
Photo Credit: Mod2025/0381
Location and Purpose
Located within walking distance of Northern Beaches Hospital and nearby corporate business parks, the proposed hotel is positioned to accommodate visiting professionals, patients’ families, and tourists. Its proximity to the future Frenchs Forest Town Centre adds to its accessibility and appeal for travellers seeking a convenient and affordable base in the area.
Photo Credit: Mod2025/0381
Support from Local Business
Commercial landlord Charter Hall Funds Management, which owns business parks on Rodborough Road, has expressed support for the proposal. The company noted that its tenants often host visitors from interstate and overseas and that the lack of short-term accommodation in the area makes the hotel a suitable addition.
Existing options such as Mercure Manly Warringah at Brookvale, Narrabeen Sands Hotel, and Checkers Resort & Conference Centre at Terrey Hills are several kilometres away. Charter Hall’s correspondence to the local council emphasised the value of having more nearby rooms to support local business travel demand.
Hotel Network and Operations
The new property would join more than 40 Nightcap and Nightcap Plus hotels already operated nationwide by ALH. Nearby examples include Nightcap locations at Narrabeen Sands, Pymble, Regents Park, Eastwood, and Caringbah, each providing similar mid-range accommodation.
The proposal forms part of ALH Group’s continuing investment in the Northern Beaches and, if approved, would contribute to easing the region’s accommodation shortage. The plan represents a streamlined and business-friendly addition to Frenchs Forest’s developing commercial landscape, enhancing the area’s ability to cater for tourists and business visitors alike.
Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest is installing over-the-bed cameras to connect staff with specialists during paediatric and neonatal emergencies, aiming to strengthen patient safety and clinical decision-making.
Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest is fitting over-the-bed cameras in its emergency department, paediatric ward and special care nursery. The units are intended to give staff real-time access to specialist guidance when treating critically ill babies and children.
The cameras are undergoing testing and are expected to be in operation within weeks. Once in use, staff will be able to connect through the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service, linking directly with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network for immediate advice.
The installations follow an independent inquiry into the hospital’s emergency department, which identified the absence of video technology as a serious concern. The Clinical Excellence Commission was responsible for the review, released in August 2025.
Previously, clinicians relied on phone calls for advice in emergencies, meaning external specialists could not directly observe patients or monitor equipment in real time, limiting their ability to guide on-the-ground staff effectively.
Tragic Cases Raised Concerns
Concerns about paediatric emergency care at the hospital intensified after the death of two-year-old Joe Massa in September 2024, followed by the death of a newborn in February 2025. These cases prompted increased scrutiny of how critical incidents were managed.
The new cameras are controlled by NETS specialists, who can zoom in on patients or check monitoring equipment during emergencies. This allows external clinicians to track a child’s condition as it changes and provide additional oversight and advice to staff on site.
Testing is continuing, with the cameras due to be switched on within weeks. Discussions involving Healthscope, the hospital operator, and its receivers are ongoing about the facility’s long-term management, with outcomes yet to be finalised.
The upcoming Frenchs Forest warehouse is set to become the first in New South Wales with three levels of retail space. Bunnings has begun hiring around 120 full-time, part-time and casual staff across customer service, trades, warehousing, forklift operation, café service and general retail.
The warehouse will cover more than 20,000 square metres and include a café, playground, outdoor garden centre and two levels of parking for 400 vehicles.
Construction began in 2023 following the demolition of an Australia Post distribution centre and a two-storey office block on the site. The $48 million project was approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel in February 2021 after discussions with Northern Beaches Council about access and design.
A modification approved in mid-2023 allowed all levels to be raised by 50 centimetres, with a reduction in the height of the second level’s warehouse space. This change did not alter the overall building height.
Store Replacements and Jobs
The new Frenchs Forest store will replace the Bunnings outlets at Warringah Mall and the Cromer Trade Centre, both scheduled to close once the new warehouse opens. Existing staff at these outlets will be offered transfers to Frenchs Forest or to other Bunnings stores in Balgowlah, Narrabeen and Belrose.
Job opportunities linked to the project extend beyond retail roles. During construction, the development supported an estimated 700 positions, with more than 120 permanent retail jobs now being recruited.
Community and Design Considerations
Concerns were raised during the approval process about potential traffic impacts at the intersection of Allambie and Rodborough Roads. To address these, vehicle access was redirected to Rodborough Road, with new traffic lights planned.
There were also design adjustments, including a reduction in logo sizes by 33 per cent on one façade, the removal of hammer motifs and limits on the building’s green colour scheme.
Photo Credit: Bunnings
National Expansion
The Frenchs Forest warehouse joins more than 310 Bunnings outlets across Australia. It follows other recent openings, including a store in Portland, Victoria, in June 2025, and the planned reopening of the Oxley warehouse in Brisbane this September after flood damage.
The Frenchs Forest Bunnings warehouse is expected to open in late 2025, introducing a new format to the region. Recruitment is now underway, with positions open to applicants of all ages and backgrounds.
A 124-unit residential development has been approved in Frenchs Forest, marking one of the first large-scale housing projects in the suburb’s emerging town centre precinct.
Approval has been granted for a $71 million apartment complex in Frenchs Forest, located opposite Northern Beaches Hospital. The development will comprise 124 apartments across three six to seven-storey buildings and marks a key phase in the broader redevelopment of the area under the “Frenchs Forest Place Strategy 2041”.
The project involves demolition of four existing residential properties along Frenchs Forest Road West and Gladys Avenue to make way for the new construction. It is one of the initial large-scale housing efforts supporting the suburb’s future town centre precinct.
Planning for the Frenchs Forest Town Centre began in 2021, following state-level approval to redevelop the site of the current Forest High School. The strategy aims to deliver approximately 5,360 new dwellings by 2041.
As part of this long-term plan, the town centre will feature 1.5 hectares of new open space, including a 1,665-square metre plaza. Upgrades are also scheduled for local parks—Brick Pit, Akora, and Rabbett reserves.
The Forest High School is being relocated to Allambie Heights, making way for a new urban precinct adjacent to the hospital.
Affordable and Community Housing Inclusions
Out of the total 124 apartments, nine will be allocated for community public housing. An additional 21 will be set aside as affordable housing aimed at essential workers, including hospital and education staff.
In a nearby section of Gladys Avenue, a 55-room affordable housing project has also received approval, targeting key worker accommodation in the healthcare sector.
Sustainability and Urban Integration
Planning documents highlighted the use of energy-efficient materials and a focus on sustainability. The development includes green spaces and pedestrian pathways to create a connected and walkable community.
Its proximity to healthcare, retail, and transport services is expected to improve convenience and reduce reliance on car travel.
Photo Credit: DA2024/0499
Community and Land Use Transition
Part of the newly completed Brickpit Reserve, a 1.3-hectare green space on the former site of a historic quarry, reflects the ongoing transformation of the suburb.
The surrounding precinct has been rezoned to accommodate low and medium-density housing as part of efforts to address regional population growth and housing demand.
Local representatives have noted expected demographic shifts and stressed the need for housing diversity that includes affordability measures.
The residential project is viewed as a critical component of the suburb’s ongoing transformation and will contribute toward housing targets set for the Northern Beaches. Construction will proceed following demolition of the existing homes, with further stages of the town centre to be rolled out over the coming decades.
A Gilgandra mother who nearly died after a sudden brain bleed is recovering after life-saving surgery and weeks in intensive care at Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest.
Earlier this year, Jessica Tink, a mum of three from Gilgandra in northwestern NSW, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes dangerous pressure in the brain due to excess fluid build-up. She travelled more than 400 kilometres from her rural hometown to Northern Beaches Hospital for a procedure to relieve the pressure.
On 24 April 2025, Jessica had surgery to insert a stent in a vein at the back of her brain to help drain the fluid. The operation went as planned, but shortly after, Jessica suffered an unexpected and serious brain bleed. She was rushed back into surgery where doctors removed part of the right side of her skull to stop the bleeding and relieve swelling.
Her partner, Jason Conolly, was told the chances of her surviving were slim. He spent long days by her side in ICU, along with their three children — Alex, Xavier and Isabella — who sat at their mum’s bedside, playing music and hoping she would wake up.
A Long Fight in ICU
Jessica was kept in a medically induced coma for five days while her family held onto hope. She slowly began to respond by moving her fingers and squeezing Jason’s hand. What followed was a series of highs and lows — she developed a severe chest infection, needed another operation and stayed in intensive care for a total of nine weeks.
Through it all, Jason and Jessica’s parents spent up to 15 hours a day at the hospital. Doctors and nurses at Northern Beaches Hospital said they were amazed at Jessica’s strength and how she pulled through despite the odds.
Jessica is now awake and able to communicate again but has weakness down the left side of her body, similar to someone recovering from a severe stroke. She is expected to spend months in a rehabilitation hospital to regain movement and adjust to life after brain surgery.
While Jessica continues to fight, her family faces the cost of being far from home for so long. A fundraiser set up to help with travel and living expenses has raised more than $14,000 so far. Jason said the past few months have been exhausting but he is grateful for the support that’s helped him stay focused on Jessica’s recovery.
Community Support Keeps Hope Alive
The Tink-Conolly family still has a long road ahead but their local and wider communities have rallied behind them. Jessica’s partner shared how thankful they are for every donation and message of support, saying it has made a huge difference while they adjust to this life-changing event.
Jessica is waiting for a special helmet that will protect her healing skull before she can begin the next stage of intensive rehab. Her family hopes the care she receives will help her regain strength and return home to Gilgandra in the months ahead.
We’ve combed Frenchs Forest and Frenchs Forest East for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Eugene Khoo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authentic food, authentic pricing, good value for great experience. Rotating weekly specials, this venue is certainly worth a shot. Wiener schnitzel is the best by far if you are looking for a schnitzel experience.
Hugh Edgar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a unique and fantastic place to try authentic Austrian cuisine! It feels like a warm and cosy classic beer hall with the decor to match. Staff are enthusiastic and friendly, with numerous tap beers and schnapps to try. Can’t wait to come back!
MJ J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Two words… Traditional & Exceptional. I did a 10kms hike with my group of 20 others from Roseville Bridge to The Austrian Club. We were tired, hungry, and thirsty upon entering… WOW what a place. It feels like you’re in Austria with cold imported beer, and the food comes out right away… 10/10 rating for the schnitzel, and make sure you have a look over Middle Harbour – it’s only 300m walk away (that was at the 9.7kms mark for us coming the other way). We will be back – thanks for the great table and amazing food / service.
Cherie Seeto ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is my second visit in a week. I brought my friend to try Adraki Lamb Cutlets (4 Pcs) shared between the two of us, is a taste sensation. You have to nibble on the bones to make sure you get every morsel. Dal Makani with cheese naan topped our meal. This was so reminiscent of eating in India. We arrived on opening for early dinner, no booking necessary. We left very satisfied before the main dinner rush at 7pm. Excellent!
shahnuma khatoon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We visited Phulkari recently and found the experience to be a mix of highs and lows. The food was okay, as we’ve had better Indian dishes elsewhere. However, the ambience was lovely, creating a cozy and welcoming vibe. The customer service stood out—attentive and friendly, which added to the overall experience. Would recommend for the atmosphere and service, but the food could use a bit more refinement to truly shine.
Haha Uhu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Indian restaurant with tasty, authentic food, especially the butter chicken and garlic naan. Friendly staff, cozy vibe, and good portion sizes.
david norton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was recommended to have steak for dinner. I’m so glad I took the advice. Great food, good atmosphere and best of all the staff are so friendly and obviously want to be there.
Corrina Soh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A hotel it is not! But a wonderful cafe it is! Great venue for parents with kids. They have a playground for kids which is great. You have got to check out the menu for yourselves. I had lamb shanks which I would grade a 9.
Dustin McClung ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We love this place for a family get together. Food is some of the best in the area and the atmosphere is great for a catch-up and relaxing time. If you want to skip making dinner and have some more quality time with the family, duck in and grab a meal and a drink. Staff have always been helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
Todd Walters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fast service, good food. My daughter had the Nutella waffle which had a good amount of fresh fruit on it. I had sour dough toast. I like I can put my own butter and vegemite on. Good Campos coffee.
rparry2146 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The brekkie burrito is one of the best breakfasts in the area – super creamy with extra flavour from parmesan and guacamole. My tip is to ask for the bacon to be replaced by chorizo for a greater punch.
Matt Henricks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The best chicken tacos I’ve had in years
Alex ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Got the OG flock box with lemonade and it was delicious! Love the chip seasoning and the sauce. They give you just the right amount of sauce to dip everything in! The tenders are always moist and juicy inside, but I wish they had a bit more crunch to them.
PD ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So grateful for a wonderful fresh alternative to stale KFC. Papps flock is even better than chicfila (tried that in Hawaii) . Ja bless 🤙🤙🤙the clsssic sandwich is incredible! Aussie quality free range chicken which is 10x better than KFC because it’s not stale and chewy but fresh light and delicious 😋
Stephanie Fung ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ guys i love pappa flock😱😱😱 they have AMAZING service and a nice and clean atmosphere. me and my friend went today and their manager let us try their new mango passionfruit drink and they were so good guys. ALSO chicken is 10/10 i love their chicken and sauce and i LOVE their coleslaw OH AND the regular lemonade is also rlly good i love it. if ur in the area u gotta try it out its so yummy i trekked all the way from ryde to come here. ok bye.
A State Significant Development application has been lodged for a large-scale seniors housing project at Skyline Place in Frenchs Forest. The plan, submitted by Platino Properties, covers a 2.26-hectare site currently occupied by a warehouse. The application outlines stage one of a mixed-use development, aiming to deliver housing and care facilities for over 55s. The proposal is currently on public exhibition as part of the assessment process.
The proposed development includes three residential buildings ranging from six to 14 storeys. It would provide approximately 200 independent living units, along with a 20-suite residential aged care facility.
A future application is expected to cover three additional buildings. The site is near key services such as Northern Beaches Hospital, the planned Frenchs Forest Town Centre, and local public transport routes.
The broader development, if approved, is anticipated to generate over 1700 jobs during construction and operation phases. Platino Properties aims to integrate this project with its existing Jardin seniors complex on Skyline Place, which already offers 52 units. An additional 98 apartments in two buildings are under construction on an adjacent site.
Photo Credit: SSD-69850712
Community and Economic Impact
The planning documents highlight a local demand for seniors housing, with 5 per cent of the proposed floor space set aside for affordable housing for seniors. The developer’s approach combines the features of apartment living with retirement village benefits, aiming to provide housing options without exit fees or complex contracts.
The application is open for public submissions via the NSW Planning Portal until 9 July 2025. Following the exhibition period, submissions will be reviewed before the proposal proceeds through assessment and determination stages.
Authorities are seeking community feedback on the detailed designs for the Frenchs Forest Active Transport Network, aimed at improving walking and cycling connections in the area.
NBC first invited the public to review the concept design for the Frenchs Forest Active Transport Network in late 2024. Community responses at that time were mostly positive, with support for improved walking and cycling infrastructure. However, concerns were raised about the safety of shared paths and the potential impact on local trees and the environment.
The updated plans now include detailed designs for Stage 1 of the network, shaped by community input and an independent road safety audit. Stage 1 covers sections 2 and 3 of the original concept plan, along with either section 1A or 1B depending on funding availability.
Photo Credit: NBC
Key features include a 2.5-metre to 3-metre wide shared-user path along Blackbutts Road and Kambora Avenue, linking Lionel Watts Reserve to Prahran Avenue. New or upgraded crossing facilities are also proposed, incorporating raised shared-user crossings or continuous paths.
The network aims to improve access to schools, parks, shops and local facilities such as Glen Street Theatre and Library, Glenrose Village, Frenchs Forest Showground and Lionel Watts Reserve.
Photo Credit: NBC
Tree Management and Environmental Measures
In response to environmental concerns, a Tree Management Plan has been prepared. The plan seeks to minimise environmental impact while increasing the overall tree canopy. While some exotic trees will be removed, these will be replaced with native species to better support the local ecosystem. Additional tree planting will be funded through the 2025–26 Special Variation to Rates.
Community Sentiment
NBC reports that feedback has so far been largely supportive, with 34 submissions received as of the latest update. Residents have been encouraged to provide further input on the detailed designs, which will help refine the project before construction begins.
Community members can provide feedback until 20 July 2025 through the NBC Your Say platform, via email, or by post. The project is funded by the NSW Government and supports the Move – Northern Beaches Transport Strategy, which promotes walking and cycling as transport options.
A 19-year-old from the Gold Coast is about to begin training at the Superyacht Crew Academy in Frenchs Forest after a single Facebook post kickstarted a wave of support across Australia’s marine industry.
A Call For Opportunity Turns Into National Support
On 27 April, Bryce Lawrence posted in the Australian Maritime Positions Noticeboard Facebook group, introducing himself as an Indigenous teenager with a deckhand ticket seeking marine work. He said he was based on the Gold Coast and willing to move to Sydney for experience.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The post quickly gained attention from across the country, including offers of jobs and mentorship. Industry leaders saw his message as a reminder of how many young Australians are searching for a way into the sector. Many described it as a genuine call for opportunity that struck a chord across the marine community.
Industry Leaders Respond With Action
Bryce’s story made its way to Superyacht Australia, who saw his situation as a reflection of a bigger issue: the lack of clear pathways for young people, especially those from Indigenous or underrepresented backgrounds, to enter the superyacht industry.
In response, the organisation created the Superyacht Crew Scholarship. The launch took place at the Australian Marine Industry Awards on 20 May, where Bryce was honoured as the first-ever recipient. As part of the scholarship, Bryce will complete his Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) course at the Superyacht Crew Academy.
Scholarship Backed By Community And Art
The event also included a community-driven show of support. Local artist Elena Valerie painted live during the awards night, and the artwork was auctioned for $2,500. The funds were donated directly to the new scholarship program. The painting was purchased by Debbie Leenderts from CHAPMAN Yachting, who has also pledged to assist Bryce in securing his first superyacht crew role.
This level of community support, mixed with industry backing, has shown how a simple message can turn into long-term action. It also highlights the importance of making training and career pathways more visible to young Australians.
Bryce’s Goal: Work And Travel Across The Seas
Bryce said the support he received gave him a strong boost in confidence. He is now preparing to begin his formal training at Superyacht Crew Academy and hopes to work in the Mediterranean.
He was surprised by how fast things moved but pointed out that many others are also just looking for a chance. Superyacht Australia said they hope the scholarship inspires more young Australians to pursue maritime careers. They believe the right support can help others follow a similar path.
