Forestway Shopping Centre Redevelopment Advances in Sydney

A $34 million redevelopment of Forestway Shopping Centre in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is progressing into its next phase, with updated operating conditions now under assessment ahead of construction works commencing.

Located at 22 Forest Way, Frenchs Forest, the long-standing neighbourhood shopping centre has served surrounding Northern Beaches communities for decades and sits close to the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct.

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The redevelopment is expected to modernise the centre while allowing retail operations to continue throughout the staged construction process.

Planning approval for the project was granted in June through a deferred commencement consent issued by a regional planning panel. The approval paves the way for substantial demolition works, alterations, and additions across the 2ha site, which fronts Forest Way as well as Russell and Grace avenues.

The redevelopment will introduce new retail floorspace alongside a swim school, gym facilities, upgraded access arrangements, and a rebuilt carpark incorporating new basement levels. The project reflects the growing demand for mixed-use retail destinations that integrate health, wellness, and community-oriented services within suburban centres.

Following the approval, centre owner Revelop has lodged a Section 4.55(1A) modification application seeking amendments to the consent conditions governing the centre’s future operations. The application remains on public exhibition until February 5.

Under the proposed amendments, approved uses would be formally identified across nominated tenancies, including supermarket spaces, the swim school, and the gym. Centre-wide operating hours would also be standardised from 7am to 10pm, although individual tenancy fit-outs would still require separate approvals.

The modification application additionally seeks revised waste collection arrangements, aligning collection times with the operating hours of the Grace Avenue loading dock and extending waste servicing into weekends.

While the proposal does not alter the approved built form, nearby residents have raised concerns regarding the operational implications of the revised conditions. Submissions lodged during the exhibition period have cited potential noise impacts, increased traffic movements, and early morning or weekend waste collection activity along Grace Avenue, which adjoins residential properties and a nearby public school.

Northern Beaches Council is currently assessing whether the proposed amendments qualify as a minor modification or whether the operational changes warrant broader planning consideration before the redevelopment proceeds further.

Images via The Urban Developer

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