Supermarket Shuffle: Coles to turf out Woolworths in $170 million Neutral Bay development.

By ANNA USHER

Neutral Bay’s busiest supermarket will be demolished and replaced by a “mixed-use village” in a $170 million project just lodged with North Sydney Council.

Grocery giant Coles is set to turf out rival competitor Woolworths from 41-43 Grosvenor St in November 2024 after secretly purchasing the 4282 sqm site in 2013.

The prime location is currently one of the top-performing supermarkets in the country.

In a Development Application submitted by Coles Group Property Development Ltd on September 1, the four-stage project will see the existing building bulldozed and replaced by a Coles shopping centre, a Vintage Cellars and two additional shop front areas at ground level.

The mixed-use development will also provide three levels of basement parking for 267 vehicles, with the outdoor car park converted into a public plaza.

Above the retail business will be seven levels of housing comprising 72 apartments and a community centre.

The apartment mix includes 11 x one bedroom, 27 x two bedroom, 30 x three bedroom and 4 x four bedroom units.

SJB Architects told the website Urban the plans will re-imagine Neutral Bay as a vibrant village neighbourhood with a green, porous, flexible and accessible heart.

“Situated right at the heart of Neutral Bay, the site has the potential to be a place truly ingrained in the community,” a spokesperson said.

“A combination of providing much needed public open space, pedestrian connectivity and activation linking to surrounding businesses means Neutral Bay Town Square can be the heart of community geographically and culturally.”

If the D.A is approved, there will be no supermarket facility on Grosvenor St for at least two years, meaning locals will need to make a trip to the smaller Woolworths on Rangers Rd or the existing Coles at Big Bear.

The proposal has raised concerns from shop owners operating around the car park, including Blue and White Dry Cleaners, who urge North Sydney Council to rethink the contentious design, which they say will significantly impact their trade.

North Sydney Council owns the land the car park is located on, and granted Coles consent to lodge the D.A earlier this year.

In their submission, SJB Architects say the new development will be “a key to transforming the Neutral Bay Town Centre”.

Coles report the new supermarket – if approved – will employ 200 staff in permanent, part time and casual roles.

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