Supermarket giant Woolworths wins approval for major Neutral Bay development.

By ANNA USHER

Supermarket giant Woolworths has won gateway approval for eight storeys of homes, offices and a basement supermarket in Neutral Bay.

Fabcot, the company’s development arm, first signalled a major upgrade to its Yeo St and Rangers Rd outlet several years ago, with the Sydney North Regional Planning Panel now agreeing it can be submitted for gateway determination once changes are made to current plans.

The panel wants a reduction in maximum building height to no more than 26m (six storeys) and part 31m (eight storeys). Further, non-residential floor-space ratios must be kept to a minimum of 1.8:1.

North Sydney Council has not supported Fabcot’s proposal, resolving to refuse the plan at its meeting on 22 May 2023.

“The applicant subsequently lodged a rezoning review with the State Government which determined to allow the Planning Proposal to proceed to Gateway Determination contrary to Council’s endorsed position,” North Sydney Council said.

The Planning Proposal currently on exhibition seeks to facilitate the redevelopment of the site for part 6 and part 8 storey mixed-use development consisting of a total of 15,902m2 of Gross Floor Area (GFA) and approximately 62 apartments (comprising 8,028m2 of residential floorspace) and approximately 372 basement car parking spaces.

“A ground level public plaza and through-site link is being proposed to activate the site and provide a new civic heart and focal point for Neutral Bay Town Centre,” the Council said.

In a report before the Sydney North Regional Planning Panel, town planners Ethos Urban said the proposal would deliver a new public plaza to “help activate the site and provide a new civic heart and focal point for Neutral Bay town centre.”

Woolworths is understood to have at least three apartment projects planned in Sydney—at Waterloo, Rose Bay and Neutral Bay.

In making its decision the Sydney North Regional Planning Panel said the proposal was consistent with applicable strategic planning documents, particularly as they related to the general objectives for housing.

“Delivering housing supply is a priority issue for Sydney for all levels of government,” the panel wrote.

The proposal is now on public exhibition, with submissions invited until June 11.

Please Note: As the Planning Proposal is the result of a successful rezoning review, North Sydney Council is not managing the plan making process.
You can see what’s being planned, HERE.