The Forest High School relocation in Frenchs Forest will see students start the 2026 school year at a new campus in Allambie Heights, with some external works continuing after Day 1.
The new campus at 189 Allambie Road is scheduled to open for Day 1 of Term 1 on Monday 2 February 2026.
Key internal areas, including classrooms and the library, are set to be ready for students at opening. Fit-out works, landscaping and boundary works were listed as being in final stages in late 2025.
Outdoor works, including sports field and court construction, as well as tree planting and landscaping, are planned to continue after the school opens.
Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure
Facilities And Capacity
The campus has been designed for up to 1,500 students and includes 73 classrooms and three special support units. Facilities listed for the site include a library, canteen and administration spaces, and a multi-purpose sports and performance hall.
Bike and scooter parking is available near the secondary entrance on Allambie Road.
Access Changes Around The Campus
Approved staging of public domain works allows the school to open with interim arrangements for safe travel and pedestrian access. Works include changes to bus stops on Aquatic Drive, a kiss-and-drop zone and a new pedestrian crossing.
A separate modification proposes retaining and upgrading the existing roundabout at Aquatic Drive and Allambie Road, rather than replacing it with a signalised intersection.
Photo Credit: NSW Department of Education School Infrastructure
Farewell To The 1961 Campus
Students and staff farewelled the former campus in December 2025. The original school opened in 1961 and is set to be demolished as planning progresses for a Frenchs Forest town centre.
Equipment and resources are scheduled to be relocated during the school holiday period, with work planned to be managed to minimise impacts on school operations. External works, landscaping and pedestrian upgrades are scheduled to continue after opening.
NSW Health confirmed that the Northern Beaches Hospital will return to public ownership on 29 April 2026. This confirmation comes after reports surfaced last week regarding the deal to take back the 494-bed facility from its current private operator, Healthscope. The decision follows a period of uncertainty for the hospital, which is currently under receivership.
Staffing and Employment
State health officials have moved quickly to reassure the hospital’s workforce about their future. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM stated that all existing clinical and support staff would be offered roles within the state system. She noted that while the transition period would have its challenges, the staff had consistently prioritised their patients and the community throughout the difficulties.
Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schembri AM added that staff leave entitlements would be maintained under the new arrangements. He said that employment offers for most staff were expected to be sent out before Christmas. Medical staff, including junior officers and specialists, would likely receive their offers in early 2026, to align with their clinical training terms.
Leadership Response
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Healthscope CEO Tino La Spina said the finalised agreement provided much-needed certainty for both the staff and the wider community. He expressed confidence that patients would continue to receive high-quality care from the same skilled teams who have served them until now. Mr La Spina also noted that the operator would work closely with NSW Health to ensure a smooth transition.
Despite the official announcements, significant questions remain regarding the future of private health services at the site. Senior doctors have warned that removing the private hospital component could force residents to travel outside the area for critical care. There are fears that vital services, such as robotic surgery, heart stenting, and complex cancer treatments, could be lost if the private model is not retained.
Dr David Jollow, chair of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, said senior clinicians were extremely concerned that a loss of private care would burden the public system and increase waiting times. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Sherlock echoed these sentiments, warning that private patients might join public waiting lists if they wished to stay on the Northern Beaches for surgery.
Community Advocacy
Local Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan welcomed the contract signing but urged the government to maintain the current range of services. He stated that he had secured a commitment for the hospital to remain a Level 5 facility with no reduction in bed numbers. However, he is seeking further assurances that life-saving interventional services, particularly for cardiac care, will be protected during the shift to public management.
Updated concept plans for Akora Reserve in Frenchs Forest are now under review, following the close of a community feedback period on proposed park upgrades.
The Akora Reserve project forms part of the Frenchs Forest town centre park upgrades, a program involving three local reserves: Brick Pit Reserve, Akora Reserve and Rabbett Reserve. The upgrades are linked to increased residential development planned for the Frenchs Forest Town Centre area.
Consultation on concept designs for all three reserves was first undertaken between March and May 2022. Brick Pit Reserve has since been completed, while Rabbett Reserve remains on hold pending funding.
Photo Caption: The updated concept plan drafted in 2025. Photo Credit: NSW Gov
What’s Included in the Latest Design
The updated draft concept plan for Akora Reserve focuses on balancing active recreation with quieter open space. Proposed features include a half-court basketball area with seating, nature-based play elements, a five-way swing, open lawn areas and picnic facilities.
The design also includes a concrete pathway linking Karingal Crescent and Akora Street to improve access through the reserve, along with bicycle parking, a drinking station and additional native planting. Mature trees are planned to be retained, with some juvenile trees relocated or replaced.
Community Feedback Considered
Community feedback on earlier designs, gathered in 2022, showed general support for the upgrade while raising concerns around open space, privacy, noise and specific design elements. Suggestions included larger play areas, changes to materials and the removal of the community garden previously proposed.
The revised concept plan was placed on public exhibition from 17 November to 14 December 2025, with around 40 submissions received. These comments are now being reviewed to inform the final design.
Photo Caption: The preliminary concept plan drafted in 2022. Photo Credit: NSW Gov
A community engagement report is expected to be released following the review of submissions. The final design for Akora Reserve is scheduled for mid-2026, with construction planned for late 2026.
After 64 years of educating Northern Beaches students, The Forest High School has closed its doors at Frenchs Forest, with more than 830 students relocating to a brand-new campus in nearby Allambie Heights.
The closure paves the way for the old campus to be demolished and replaced with a new Frenchs Forest Town Centre, featuring high-density residential development with apartment blocks up to 12 storeys high.
Principal Nathan Lawler, along with school captains Isobel Pacholski and Oliver Burn, and vice-captains Aishwarya Kalra and James Dry, described the relocation as bittersweet. The modern facility at the corner of Allambie Road and Aquatic Drive offers expanded capacity for over 1,000 students and features the latest in educational and sporting technology.
The relocation is part of NSW’s broader rezoning strategy for the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct, designed to provide medium and high-density housing in the area. With approximately 180 new Year 7 students expected to enrol next year, the expanded campus will help accommodate families moving into new housing developments around the town centre.
A School Born from Community Campaign
Photo credit: Facebook/The Forest High School
The Forest High School’s story began with a community campaign for secondary education on the Northern Beaches. In November 1958, The Forest High School Promotion Committee formed with a clear mission: to establish a co-educational high school serving the suburbs of Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Beacon Hill, Terrey Hills and Narraweena.
On 31 January 1961, Stage One of construction was completed and the school opened its doors with an initial enrolment of 318 students and 14 teachers, under the leadership of founding principal Edward George Bell. Originally called Frenchs Forest High School, the institution’s name was officially changed to The Forest High School on 2 August 1961 by then-Minister for Education Ernest Wetherell.
The pioneer students and staff chose the Latin motto “Spectemur Agendo”—let us be judged by our actions. By 1963, enrolment had grown to 963 students.
Growth continued throughout the 1960s and 70s, with the gymnasium and D block opening in 1969, and the library completing the building program in 1976. The school’s official opening ceremony took place on 24 October 1964, attended by Governor of New South Wales Lieutenant-General Sir Eric Woodward.
Notable Alumni
Three members of the rock band INXS—Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers and Tim Farriss—attended The Forest High School and rehearsed in the school hall. The other half of INXS, including frontman Michael Hutchence, attended Davidson High.
Other notable alumni include Bill Leak, editorial cartoonist for The Australian, and Peter Debnam, who served as NSW Liberal Opposition Leader from 2005 to 2007.
The new campus in Allambie Heights provides expanded facilities for the Northern Beaches. Principal Lawler said the new school will have the latest in education and sporting technology, with interactive smartboards installed throughout the facility, to give students the best chance to succeed.
As The Forest High School community moves to its new campus, it carries forward more than six decades of history. The school’s founding motto “Spectemur Agendo” continues at the new location.
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.
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.
