Sixty-Year-Old Forestway Shopping Centre in Frenchs Forest Gets Modern Makeover

Forestway Shopping Centre in Frenchs Forest is undergoing a $30 million transformation, including plans to demolish its prominent three-storey car park facing Forest Way.



Property investment company Revelop purchased the centre near Forest Way and Warringah Road intersection from US firm Invesco Asset Management in March 2021 for $100 million. The mall first opened its doors to the community as the Arndale Centre in 1966 and currently houses major tenants like Woolworths and Aldi alongside dozens of other shops.

Modernisation Underway

Forestway Shopping Centre
Photo Credit: nettletontribe

The first stage of the extensive refurbishment project is already in progress. Shoppers may have noticed changes, including upgrades to the mall’s internal floors, ceilings, and shopfronts, which aim to improve its overall appearance. New businesses have also been introduced as part of this stage, including a Vintage Cellars outlet and a florist on the western side, along with two Asian food outlets and an updated newsagency on the eastern side.

Future Changes Proposed

Photo Credit: Revelop

New images associated with the project’s second stage show significant future changes. Planning authorities have recently been asked to review updated traffic movement and stormwater plans for this next phase. The images indicate newly designed entry and exit points for the centre along Russell Avenue and Grace Avenue. They also display a radically different look for the mall’s main facade and confirm the intention to remove the existing multi-level car park along Forest Way.

Neighbourhood Focus

Forestway Shopping Centre
Photo Credit: Revelop

Revelop has stated its intention is not to increase the overall size of the shopping centre but rather to improve parking, update its appearance, and enhance the mix of shops available. Revelop director Charbel Hazzouri indicated the company wants to preserve Forestway as a neighbourhood shopping centre. He stated the goal is to provide the local community a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience.

Mr Hazzouri added that internally, while keeping its convenient level access, the centre will feature much-improved finishes and a wider range of shops to ensure it remains the community’s primary local shopping destination. Revelop is also active elsewhere on the northern beaches, having bought the former Stockland Mall at Balgowlah for $155 million earlier this year.



Past Proposals

The previous owner, Invesco, also wished to redevelop the large 2-hectare site. Their proposal included partial demolition, significantly increasing the number of car parking spaces to 740, and adding facilities such as a large restaurant, a childcare centre, a medical centre, a gym, and additional retail and office space.

However, the Sydney North Planning Panel rejected this larger-scale redevelopment plan in late December 2020. The panel cited concerns that the proposal would create too much traffic on nearby residential streets and failed to meet several environmental planning requirements.

Published Date 10-April-2025

Northern Beaches Hospital Nurses Strike for Better Pay and Working Conditions

Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital began a 26-hour strike at 6am today, demanding improved staffing ratios, better pay, and working conditions that match their public hospital counterparts.



The strike, part of a series of rolling stoppages at Healthscope facilities, highlights growing tensions between frontline healthcare workers and the private operator of the Frenchs Forest hospital.

Photo Credit: Facebook / NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members are calling on Healthscope to “put patients and staff before profits” by implementing safe working conditions that enable quality patient care. Their demands include mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, a 15% one-year wage increase, higher night shift penalties, and improved leave entitlements.

Photo Credit: Facebook / NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association

Political Support Grows for Public Ownership

The strike has drawn significant political support from local representatives. State MPs Michael Regan (Wakehurst) and Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), along with Federal Member for Mackellar Sophie Scamps, attended the strike and backed calls to return the hospital to public hands.

Photo Credit: Facebook / NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association

Dr. Scamps was quoted by Manly Observer saying: “When you have a private equity firm trying to make profit out of public health care, it just does not work. So we can see what’s happening. They are telling us their distress, their stress, they’re burning out, and they need our support. And the hospital should be back in public hands.”

Hybrid Model Under Scrutiny

Northern Beaches Hospital operates under an unusual hybrid model as both a public and private facility, with all operations managed by Healthscope under contract with the NSW Government. This arrangement has been controversial since its inception, when it replaced the former Manly and Mona Vale public hospitals.

Photo Credit: Facebook / NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association

The facility is currently subject to its second government inquiry and a performance audit. Despite these challenges, Bureau of Health data shows the hospital performs equal to or better than its peers in several metrics, particularly emergency room wait times.

Photo Credit: Facebook / NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association

The NSWNMA has confirmed that life-preserving care and minimum staffing levels will be maintained throughout the 26-hour work stoppage, which follows a previous strike in November that failed to resolve ongoing issues.



Healthscope had previously expressed disappointment with industrial action, claiming they were negotiating “in good faith” toward “an agreement that’s fair and sustainable for our people and our hospitals.” According to the NSWNMA, there has been no progress in negotiations since the November strike.

Published 23-March-2025

Online Scammers Target Elderly Frenchs Forest Residents

Elderly residents in Frenchs Forest have become prime targets of scammers in a recent wave of sophisticated online scams, with two significant cases reported in the area last month resulting in substantial financial losses.



Frenchs Forest Cases Reveal Scammer Tactics

A 92-year-old Frenchs Forest man lost $23,000 in late February when scammers executed a technical support scheme. On February 26, the elderly resident was using his home computer when a pop-up message appeared on his screen instructing him not to touch anything and to call a specific number. After contacting the number, he spoke with someone falsely claiming to represent Microsoft, who subsequently gained remote access to his computer. The following day, the victim discovered two unauthorised transactions on his bank statement totalling more than $23,000.

In a separate incident also in Frenchs Forest, a woman in her 80s was contacted via telephone on February 24 by a scammer impersonating an Australian Federal Police officer. The call was then transferred to another scammer posing as a Commonwealth Bank investigator, who claimed to have detected unauthorised transactions on the victim’s account originating from Nepal. The elderly woman was persuaded to withdraw almost $10,000 from two local Commonwealth Bank branches and was specifically instructed to lie to bank staff if questioned about the withdrawals, being told there was a bank insider involved in the investigation.

Following instructions, the victim handed over the cash to a courier who arrived at her home using a predetermined code word. The scammers attempted to extract an additional $9,000 using the same method, but an alert bank teller became suspicious during the second withdrawal attempt. When questioned by the bank manager, the victim revealed the suspicious instructions she had received, prompting staff to contact police.

Northern Beaches Police Response

These Frenchs Forest cases are among eight recent online scam investigations currently being conducted by Northern Beaches Police. Authorities have released details of these cases specifically to warn older community members about the increasing sophistication of these scams targeting computer and mobile phone users.

Northern Beaches residents, particularly those in Frenchs Forest and surrounding areas, are urged to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited communications and to immediately terminate conversations when unknown individuals request access to personal or financial information.



For more information on identifying and preventing scams, residents can visit Scamwatch.gov.au.

Published 4-March-2025

Frenchs Forest Town Centre: Work Advances on Brick Pit Reserve Redevelopment

Construction is progressing on refurbishing Brick Pit Reserve in Frenchs Forest, a key component of the new Frenchs Forest Town Centre development. The upgrade aims to revitalise the historic park with modern recreational facilities while preserving its environmental and historical significance.



Frenchs Forest Town Centre
Photo Credit: Brick Pit Reserve/NBC

A Historic Site with a New Purpose

Brick Pit Reserve, located at the intersection of Warringah and Bantry Bay roads, sits on the former site of William Hews’ brickworks. The brickworks once supplied materials for early brick homes in the Manly area before ceasing operations around World War I. The site later became a community park, but its landscape was significantly altered by the construction of the Northern Beaches Hospital and upgrades to Warringah Road.

With the Frenchs Forest Town Centre now taking shape, the NBC spearheads a park refurbishment to serve local residents, hospital staff, and visitors.

What’s Included in the Upgrade?

The revitalisation of Brick Pit Reserve involves:

  • A nature-themed playground with climbing structures and embankment slides.
  • A boardwalk looping around a central pond incorporating elements that reflect the site’s historic brickworks origins.
  • A picnic shelter, open lawn areas, and viewing decks with seating for visitors.
  • A new amenities block to improve accessibility.
  • Enhanced landscaping, including tree plantings and stormwater gardens, to improve water quality before runoff enters Manly Dam.
  • A 2.5m-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, linking the reserve to surrounding areas.
  • Parking improvements, with 13 upgraded spaces on Bantry Bay Road, including two accessible bays.

The upgrade is being funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure as part of a broader plan to create 1,000 new dwellings in the town centre and another 1,000 homes in nearby residential zones.

Frenchs Forest redevelopment
Photo Credit: Brick Pit Reserve/NBC

Community Input and Concerns Addressed

The project underwent community consultation from March to May 2022, gathering 100 submissions from residents. 66% of respondents supported the concept plan, while 24% requested changes. Some concerns raised included:

  • Mosquito control measures around the pond.
  • Preserving the bike track within the reserve.
  • Maintaining a balance between nature and infrastructure to retain the park’s character.

The NBC integrated feedback into the final design. The authorities assured the community that environmental considerations, including mosquito management and stormwater filtration, were prioritised.

Brick Pit Reserve
Photo Credit: Brick Pit Reserve/NBC

Part of a Larger Green Space Initiative

The Frenchs Forest Town Centre Park Upgrades project also includes Akora Reserve and Rabbett Reserve, will be refurbished using developer contributions from high-rise residential projects. The upgrades aim to ensure green spaces remain accessible despite increased urbanisation.

The open space strategy focuses on multi-use parklands, improved reserve connectivity, and natural rehabilitation to offset the town centre’s growth.

What’s Next?



Construction at Brick Pit Reserve commenced in September 2024. It is expected to be completed by April 2025.NBC has committed to keeping residents informed as the project progresses. Further updates are available on its official website.

Published 21-Feb-2025

Frenchs Forest Mum Leads Local Tutoring Boom with Personalised Education

Frenchs Forest mum Linda O’Hare has reshaped the local tutoring landscape, offering personalised one-to-one education through Tutor Doctor Northern Beaches. With over 50 tutors supporting students from Year 3 to Year 12, the business is meeting the growing demand for academic support, particularly in Maths and for students with learning differences.



A Pandemic Pivot Becomes a Tutoring Success Story

Ms O’Hare’s journey into tutoring began as a career change prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously working in corporate strategy, she sought a more fulfilling and flexible career. This led to the establishment of Tutor Doctor Northern Beaches. A business dedicated to providing customised tutoring solutions for students struggling with confidence, study skills, and academic challenges.

Her approach is based on personalised matching. Ms O’Hare ensures each student is paired with a tutor who suits their learning style, academic needs, and personality.

One-to-One Tutoring Making a Difference

Unlike group-based tutoring programs, Tutor Doctor offers individualised learning at the student’s home or a local library. Parents must be present during sessions. All tutors undergo rigorous screening, including a Working With Children Check.

Ms O’Hare’s selection process is stringent—only 10% of applicants succeed in becoming tutors. Each tutor specialises in specific academic levels, from primary school to HSC preparation. Common subjects in demand include Math, English, and study skills, with parents often seeking support due to declining student confidence or gaps in classroom learning.

Rising Demand for Specialised Learning Support

Tutor Doctor has seen increased demand for students with ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges. Many of these students struggle in traditional classrooms due to the fast-paced nature of lessons and large class sizes.

Students with ADHD, for example, often find it difficult to focus in a busy classroom environment. Having one-to-one attention allows them to engage with learning in a way that works for them.

Another significant factor driving demand is a nationwide shortage of Maths teachers, with parents concerned about their children falling behind. Maths is one of the most requested subjects for tutoring, as struggling students tend to avoid it, creating a cycle of disengagement.

Building Confidence, One Student at a Time

Parents of students who have received tutoring through Tutor Doctor have reported remarkable transformations. Many students who initially struggled with core subjects have improved their understanding and confidence.

For Ms O’Hare, the most rewarding aspect of the business is seeing students go from dreading a subject to excelling in it. Some parents have expressed immense gratitude after their children achieved better-than-expected HSC results or moved into advanced Maths classes after previously struggling.

Her own children, in Years 6, 10, and 12, also receive tutoring, demonstrating her firm belief in its benefits.

A Growing Future for Personalised Tutoring in Frenchs Forest

With more families turning to tailored learning solutions, Tutor Doctor Northern Beaches continues to expand its services. The structured approach—assessing each student’s goals, matching them with the right tutor, and providing ongoing support—ensures long-term academic success.



As demand rises, Ms O’Hare remains committed to offering high-quality tutoring that empowers students to reach their full potential. Whether supporting students through HSC preparation, special needs education, or foundational learning, her business is proving that with the right guidance, every student can thrive.

Published 20-Feb-2025

Major $71-M Apartment Project Proposed for Frenchs Forest Town Centre

A $71-million residential development featuring 124 apartments across three six-storey buildings is proposed for Frenchs Forest, adjacent to the Northern Beaches Hospital.



Plans for the redevelopment of Frenchs Forest Town Centre have been progressing since 2021, when city authorities approved the creation of a new urban hub at the site of The Forest High School.

The proposal is part of the broader “Frenchs Forest Place Strategy 2041,” aiming to introduce 5,360 new homes and enhance local infrastructure.

Frenchs Forest apartment development
Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

Development Details

Frenchs Forest housing project
Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

The proposed project (DA2024/0499) will take over four residential lots at the intersection of Frenchs Forest Rd West and Gladys Ave. The development will include nine apartments for community public housing and 21 for affordable housing targeting key workers such as hospital staff and teachers. The site offers easy access to public transport, retail amenities, and healthcare services.

Planning documents highlight sustainability-focused designs, using energy-efficient materials and incorporating green spaces and pedestrian pathways to create a connected community.

Community and Housing Provisions

The development will include nine apartments set aside for community public housing and 21 for affordable housing aimed at key workers. An approved 55-room affordable housing project on Gladys Ave is also planned to provide accommodation for hospital staff.

Residential development in Frenchs Forest
Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

Future Plans

Apartment project in Frenchs Forest
Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

The Forest High School will be relocated to Allambie Heights, and the redevelopment will include 1.5 hectares of public space, featuring a 1,665 sq m plaza for community use. Additionally, upgrades to three local parks – Brick Pit, Akora, and Rabbett reserves – are planned.



Pending planning approval, the redevelopment is expected to address housing demand while integrating essential community facilities. The project is seen as a key step in balancing urban growth with sustainability and community needs.

Published 23-Jan-2025

Frenchs Forest Property Among Australia’s Longest Listed Homes

A house in Frenchs Forest featured in one of Australia’s longest-running property sales campaigns. The campaign highlights the challenges some homeowners face in a fluctuating market.



Photo Credit: Real Estate AU

The property, located at 12 Naree Road, has been on the market for a staggering 2397 days, placing it among the top 20 nationally for homes that won’t sell.

This revelation comes as new data from PropTrack reveals that the longest-listed property in Australia is a rural estate in Beaudesert, Queensland, which has been on the market for a decade. The 43.12 hectare property, complete with a four-bedroom house and various amenities, has been listed for $10 million—considerably more than its last sale price of $3.1 million in 2008.

Photo Credit: Real Estate AU

The PropTrack data paints a picture of a complex property market, where price expectations, market conditions, and property uniqueness can significantly influence selling times.  While the median time on the Queensland market is 35 days, many properties, particularly acreage offerings, have been around for years.

The agent handling the Beaudesert property indicated that the owners, who currently rent out the property and reside in Brisbane, are not pressured to sell quickly and are holding out for their desired price. Other sellers nationwide use the same “land banking” strategy, which prolongs the listing period.

Various properties across different states are facing similar challenges. In Victoria, a property in Springvale holds the longest listing record, while in the Northern Territory, a renovated house with sea views has been on the market for over 2600 days.

Photo Credit: Real Estate AU

Experts suggest that several factors contribute to these extended selling periods.  Economic shifts, like the mining boom and bust in the 2010s, can leave sellers seeking prices that buyers are unwilling to meet.  

Unique properties or those in less sought-after locations can also experience longer selling times.  Additionally, some sellers keep their listings if an exceptional offer arises, especially if they receive rental income from the property.



While interest rates rise and reduced borrowing capacities impact the market, properties still sell relatively quickly in many areas.  According to industry experts, the key is finding the right price that satisfies both the seller and potential buyers.  

Every property has its challenges, but the right price can ultimately overcome these obstacles and attract a buyer.

Published Date 01-October-2024

Frenchs Forest Townhouse Dream Dashed: Court Rejects ‘Excessively Large’ Development

A $16-million proposal to replace four existing homes in Frenchs Forest with 30 new townhouses has been rejected.



Frenchs Forest
Photo Credit: DA2023/0172

The developer, Australian United Investment Pty Ltd, had envisioned a three-storey residential complex on Gladys Ave, one of the first major redevelopments proposed for the future Frenchs Forest Town Centre.

The U-shaped complex, spanning properties 1, 5, 5a, and 7 Gladys Ave, had drawn strong opposition from residents. Concerns ranged from increased traffic and reduced street parking to pedestrian safety and the impact on the area’s flora and fauna.

Photo Credit: DA2023/0172

The Land and Environment Court’s decision upholds the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel’s rejection of the development application last September. The panel cited concerns about the project’s “excessively large” footprint, its potential negative impact on neighbouring properties, and the removal of 39 trees in an area known for its lush canopy.

Photo Credit: DA2023/0172
Frenchs Forest
Photo Credit: DA2023/0172

Commissioner Timothy Horton acknowledged the council’s concerns about the development’s excessive footprint and its adverse impacts on future residents, neighbouring properties, and the natural environment.



Frenchs Forest
Photo Credit: DA2023/0172

Frenchs Forest resident Gopala Maurer, a spokesperson for those affected by the proposed redevelopment, expressed relief at the court’s decision. She stressed the importance of preserving the street’s tree canopy, which provides habitat for various wildlife. 

She also suggested that the developer consider amalgamating the block with number 3 to ensure adequate parking for the site.

Published Date 04-September-2024

Frenchs Forest Reveals Major Residential Redevelopment Plans

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Frenchs Forest as plans for its new town centre are revealed. The transformation promises to be significant and will undoubtedly shape the future of the area.



The Northern Beaches Council has recently received several detailed proposals for significant residential projects, signalling the beginning of a new era of redevelopment in this rapidly growing region.

Central to these developments is a $67 million proposal to construct 127 apartments across three six-storey buildings, strategically located opposite the Northern Beaches Hospital. This development will consolidate four existing single-housing lots at the corner of Frenchs Forest Road West and Gladys Avenue.

Further Developments Nearby

Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

Just 150 metres away, a second project proposes an $18 million investment in a six-storey building with 40 units at the intersection of Wakehurst Parkway and Frenchs Forest Road. Additionally, a $12 million development application is before the council for a four-storey block comprising 28 units on Gladys Avenue.

The council has already approved a 55-room affordable housing development on Gladys Avenue, designed to provide accommodation for hospital staff. This area will also see the construction of a senior living complex, adding to the mix of residential options.

Long-Term Vision

Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

These proposals come two and a half years after the NSW Government granted planning permission for the creation of the new Frenchs Forest Town Centre, which will be situated around the current site of The Forest High School. The master plan for this new centre includes apartment blocks reaching up to 12 storeys, a new commercial strip west of the hospital, and extensive residential developments.

The Frenchs Forest Place Strategy 2041, approved just before Christmas 2021, envisions 5,360 new homes within its scope. The first phase, set to roll out over the next 20 years, includes the development of 1,000 new medium and high-density dwellings in the town centre and an additional 1,000 homes in surrounding residential areas.

Community and Infrastructure Upgrades

Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

Spanning approximately 12 hectares, the town centre redevelopment will incorporate The Forest High School, Northern Beaches Hospital, and land both north of Frenchs Forest Road West and south of Warringah Road. The existing high school will be demolished, with a new facility currently under construction in nearby Allambie Heights. The plan also features the creation of 1.5 hectares of new public open space, including a 1,665 square metre plaza, alongside upgrades to Brick Pit, Akora, and Rabbett reserves.



Commitment to Community and Affordable Housing

Photo Credit: DA2024/0499

A notable feature of the 127-unit development includes the allocation of nine apartments for community public housing and 21 units for affordable housing targeting key workers. According to the Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with the development application, the project boasts three buildings of exceptional design quality, carefully planned to complement the site’s unique shape and topography.

Published Date 04-July-2024

Frenchs Forest Welcomes Landmark $35 Million Cancer Care Centre

Good news to Frenchs Forest residents battling cancer! GenesisCare centre, a brand new, state-of-the-art cancer care facility that offers a “one-stop shop” for cancer treatment, has officially opened.



This marks a significant development for the Northern Beaches, offering a much-needed, “one-stop shop” approach to cancer treatment. The $35-million GenesisCare centre, located at Building 9, 49 Frenchs Forest Road East, promises to revolutionise cancer care in the region.

Previously scattered services are now consolidated under one roof, offering a comprehensive range of non-operative treatments including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, haematology, and immunotherapy.

Dr Sophie Scamps, Mackellar MP and General Practitioner, spoke at the opening, highlighting the importance of both advanced technology and the human touch in cancer care.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ MayorSueHeins

“People on the Northern Beaches are extremely fortunate to have such a specialised centre with advanced technologies all under one roof,” Dr. Scamps said. “But also as a GP, I also understand how equally important those allied health care services are, as well as the psychology services, and how important it is that people feel that they are supported and manage their depression and anxiety as they go on this journey.”

Photo Credit: Facebook/ MayorSueHeins

This new facility represents a major step forward for patient convenience and well-being. As Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins pointed out, the ability to access a wide range of treatments under one roof eliminates the stress of travelling to multiple locations, especially during a challenging time.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ MayorSueHeins

Mayor Heins said, “Unfortunately, we all know someone who has experienced cancer.” “This $35 million centre will provide comprehensive cancer care all within the same centre. I can’t express how much we need a place like this… Just being that cancer buddy or caring partner, it is always a very anxious time to make sure that all appointments are kept up. Having a place locally will cut down on driving and parking, which is always an issue when you’re driving to various hospitals across Sydney.”

The Frenchs Forest facility is poised to become a pillar of the community, offering hope and streamlined care to an estimated 1,700 new cancer diagnoses on the Northern Beaches each year.



Published Date 24-April-2024