28 February 2024
By Hannah Wilcox
North Sydney Council is seeking residential feedback on the planned Neutral Bay Town Centre redevelopment.
A draft planning study is focused on proposed improvements to public space and facilities in the town centre, which includes the area around Military Road between Ben Boyd Road and Winnie Street.
This would include two new plazas – 3000 square metres on Grosvenor Lane and another 1000 square metre space on Rangers Road, alongside the construction of new adjoining laneways. These are adjacent to the existing sites with Woolworths supermarkets, the former actually owned by Coles.
Plans also include the creation of a new 1000 square metre community centre, as well as an upgrade of the current one on Military Road. A survey conducted by council in 2019 revealed 78% of the community supports either a social facility like a library or a community centre in the Neutral Bay Centre.
Footpaths would be widened along B-Line bus stops with the addition of pedestrian links, landscaping and sun protection.
The draft plans would see provision for a number of new arcades connecting roadways as well as a new pedestrian crossing at Military Rd on the Rangers Rd and Waters Rd corners.
The addition of a new cycleway and bicycle facility is also planned.
“With this planning study, Council hopes to enhance the village atmosphere to the centre of Neutral Bay,” Mayor Zoë Baker said.
“We know from speaking with the community that there is a real appetite for more inviting public space and community facilities in the town centre, and that’s what this plan hopes to achieve.”
Notably, plans see the maximum height limit increased from 5 storeys to 6 storeys for most of the mixed-use zone, and maximum 8 storeys for identified key sites.
Cr Baker added: “It also revises the height limits and design guidelines for new developments.”
“The planning study also aims to make Neutral Bay more attractive to businesses so that we’re retaining jobs and services in the town centre.”
Proposed building heights have previously proved a point of contention amongst the community following a backlash towards the Military Road Corridor Planning Study which was rescinded in 2022.
Public consultation previously saw just 12 per cent of residents supporting the then-proposed increase in height limits.
The new draft study has reduced newly proposed limits to a maximum of 8 storeys for a few sites, with the majority capped at 6 storeys.
It was conducted in consultation with the Neutral Bay Alive group and specialist advice from external consultants. The Neutral Bay Alive group was set up by Council and is primarily composed of officeholders from local precinct committees.
Locals are able to have their say online or at one of three locations including: Council’s Customer Service Centre at 200 Miller Street, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Stanton Library at 234 Miller Street during opening hours and Neutral Bay Community Centre, 190–192 Military Road during opening hours.
The consultation will close on April 2.