North Sydney Archives - Page 2 of 2

Heritage-Listed MLC Building in North Sydney Set for $365M Transformation

Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001

A $365 million transformation plan has been submitted for the heritage-listed MLC Building in North Sydney, aiming to revitalise the iconic site by preserving its historic Miller Street wing while introducing a modern 22-storey commercial tower on Denison Street.

Originally designed by Bates Smart & McCutcheon and completed in 1957, the MLC Building was the first high-rise office tower in North Sydney and a significant architectural milestone in Australia.

MLC Building North Sydney — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

However, its future has been the subject of extensive debate since 2020, when Investa first proposed its demolition. Following years of legal challenges and heritage assessments, the building was reinstated on the State Heritage Register in December 2023 after being briefly delisted.

MLC Building North Sydney adaptive reuse proposal — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Transformation Plan

The ambitious redevelopment project (DA/10.2024.00000387.001) seeks to honour the building’s heritage while introducing contemporary functionality and sustainability. Key aspects of the proposed transformation include:

Preservation of the Miller Street Wing: The existing façade, including its iconic glass curtain wall and terracotta tiles, will be fully restored to its original aesthetic.
Flood Mitigation Measures: Raising the ground floor to address recurring flooding issues from the Miller Street forecourt.
Modernised Interiors: The addition of a double-height lobby with integrated retail spaces to enhance tenant experience and street appeal.
Retail Activation: A new colonnade along Miller Street will host fine-grain retail spaces, while Denison Street will include additional retail offerings.

The redevelopment will introduce a 22-storey sustainable office tower in place of the Denison Street wing, designed to incorporate energy-efficient systems and meet NABERS sustainability benchmarks.

Restoration of MLC Building — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the proposed upgrades, several challenges must be addressed, including:

Infrastructure Compliance: The building requires significant upgrades to meet contemporary fire and seismic safety standards.
Flooding Concerns: Existing drainage issues in the lower ground and basement levels remain a major challenge.
Public Engagement: The inactive façades facing Brett Whiteley Place need activation to better engage with the surrounding urban environment.
Traffic and Pedestrian Conflicts: The current vehicle access on Denison Street poses safety challenges due to its proximity to the new Metro station.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Investa has engaged with key stakeholders, including the Heritage Council of NSW, the North Sydney Council, and the North Sydney Design Excellence Panel.

These consultations have resulted in in-principle support for the transformation plan, with commitments to improving public access and ensuring the development aligns with heritage values.

Proposed upgrades — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000387.001*

Looking Ahead

North Sydney Council is now assessing the development application. If approved, the project promises to reinvigorate the MLC Building, enhancing the public domain, improving pedestrian safety, and positioning the site as a sustainable and commercially viable landmark.

Published 23-Jan-2025

North Sydney Residents Clash with Shore School Over Expansion Plans

Photo Credit: MP10_0150-Mod-4

A prestigious boys’ school, Shore, has ignited controversy with its proposal to increase student enrolment by over 400 pupils.

While the school insists the expansion will provide greater educational opportunities, residents fear the influx of students will exacerbate existing traffic problems and create safety hazards.

Shore, which currently educates 1690 students, plans to boost its student population by 450 over several years. This expansion would involve 378 additional senior students and 72 more prep students. However, residents in the surrounding area have voiced concerns about the potential impact on local roads, particularly during peak school hours.

Traffic Congestion Fears

Shore School — *Photo Credit:* *MP10_0150-Mod-4*

Peter Wilcox, a resident, described the current traffic situation around the school during pick-up and drop-off times as chaotic. He expressed concerns that the increase in students would worsen the congestion, making it “intolerable” for residents. Other residents echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for increased traffic on already busy roads.

Student Driving Raises Safety Concerns

Adding to the traffic woes, some residents have reported students driving “recklessly fast” in “sporty cars,” raising concerns about pedestrian safety. They believe an increase in student numbers could lead to more cars on the road and heightened risks for those on foot.

Parking Pressures

Another point of contention is the potential strain on parking. Anna Howard, a resident, noted that off-street parking spaces are often occupied by students, leaving residents struggling to find parking in their neighbourhood. She described the situation as “almost intolerable” and worries that the school’s expansion will worsen.

School’s Response

A spokeswoman for Shore stated that the expansion plans were designed to consider the impact on the local community, including traffic, parking, heritage, landscape, amenity, and infrastructure. To mitigate some of the parking concerns, the school proposes to build 41 interim parking spaces on campus.

Traffic Modelling and Proposal Assessment

The school’s traffic modelling predicts a modest increase in vehicle trips during peak hours. The proposal, which modifies a previously approved concept plan, is currently being assessed by the NSW Government.

Published Date 20-Jan-2025

$38.9 Million Cycleway Project Transforms North Sydney’s Harbour Bridge Access

Photo Credit: TransportforNSW

Construction is underway on a $38.9 million cycleway project in North Sydney that will replace the 55 stairs leading to the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a modern, accessible ramp.

Revamping Accessibility for Cyclists

The new 170-metre-long and 3-metre-wide ramp aims to provide a seamless link between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point, making it easier for cyclists of all ages and abilities to navigate the area. Once completed, it is expected to boost the already significant daily usage of the cycleway, which currently sees up to 2,000 trips on weekdays.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway — *Photo Credit: TransportforNSW*

This development is part of a broader initiative to modernise the bridge while respecting its historical and cultural heritage. Materials for the project, including Moruya granite—the same type used in the original bridge pylons—are being sourced from across Australia.

Cultural and Historical Integration

The project’s design incorporates Indigenous artwork developed by Aboriginal artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing, honouring the Gadigal and Cammeraygal lands. The paving design features themes drawn from local landscapes and waterways, creating a tangible connection to the area’s heritage.

The ramp will connect to a new 150-metre two-way cycle path and shared zones in Milsons Point, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Improvements to Bradfield Park, backed by a $2.5 million funding grant, will include new footpaths, a pedestrian crossing, and a welcoming plaza with seating, a bike repair station, and a water fountain. These additions aim to create a vibrant community space for locals and commuters.

Economic and Social Impact

The project, expected to be completed by 2026, is generating jobs for approximately 700 workers. These roles range from construction to manufacturing, with structural steel bridge sections fabricated in Kurri Kurri and balustrades cast in Unanderra. The cycleway is anticipated to further cement North Sydney as a key hub for cycling enthusiasts, both locally and globally.

Calls to address the stairway challenge date back over a decade, with cyclists long advocating for an accessible solution. The linear ramp design, chosen after extensive public consultation, was approved by the North Sydney Council in February 2023 and by the Heritage Council in June 2023. While some local opposition was voiced, the need for improved accessibility prevailed.

Transport officials have highlighted that this project is a critical step in bridging the gap between the bridge’s cycleway and broader bike networks, including future plans to connect with Gore Hill and Epping Road cycleways.

Published 30-Dec-2024

North Sydney Drivers Rewarded with Demerit Point Removal in Road Safety Push

In a key initiative to promote road safety, more than 13,000 drivers in North Sydney have benefited from having a demerit point removed from their licenses, as part of a statewide campaign to encourage responsible driving.

Enhanced Road Safety in North Sydney

North Sydney, with its 76,020 license holders, has led to significant results in the NSW Government’s effort to improve road behaviour. According to Minister for Roads John Graham, “North Sydney drivers have responded commendably to our safety initiatives, with 13,069 motorists successfully maintaining a clean record and benefiting from the demerit point removal. This not only enhances individual driving records but also contributes broadly to road safety.”

State-Wide Impact and Continued Efforts

The demerit point removal program is part of a broader campaign targeting over one million NSW drivers who have kept a clean driving slate over the past 12 months. This initiative was designed in response to the alarming rise in road fatalities, which reached 369 deaths in the past year.

The program was conceived as an election promise to shift the focus from penalising to rewarding drivers, which has seen widespread participation across the state.

Demerit points North Sydney — *Photo Credit: Freerangestock.com*

Additional Insights from Broader NSW

Data from other parts of NSW also shows substantial benefits from the program. The Central Coast, for instance, had the highest number of drivers receiving a demerit point back, totalling 54,971. Western Sydney regions like Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Liverpool, and Parramatta also saw significant numbers of points removed, reinforcing the program’s reach and impact across diverse communities.

As Minister Graham further elaborated, “The reward of a demerit point removed has proven most valuable in areas where people heavily depend on their cars. This incentive for safe driving is making a tangible difference, with fewer fatalities and more responsible driving behaviours emerging as a result.”

Looking ahead, the NSW Government plans to extend the demerit point trial for another year while introducing stricter road safety measures. These include the integration of seatbelt enforcement through mobile phone detection cameras and an expansion in the number of mobile speed camera locations. These efforts underline the government’s commitment to reducing road tolls and enhancing driver safety across the state.

Check Your Demerit Points

Published 4-June-2024

ALDI Launches New Experimental ‘Corner Store’ Layout in North Sydney

Plans are in the works to revamp ALDI North Sydney, turning the supermarket into a smaller corner store as part of the company’s desire to rebrand.

The renowned German grocery and retail company ALDI has set its sights on creating “corner stores” in Sydney in a bid to rebrand, stepping away from supermarkets and instead operate outlets on a smaller scale.

One of the primary motivations pushing for this rebranding is due to how small-format stores can meet the needs of customers in densely populated areas, according to an ALDI spokesperson. The company had reported that smaller stores in these areas outperformed larger ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development plans have been lodged (DA 11/21) with North Sydney Council asking permission to turn its branch in North Sydney into a smaller corner store complete with local coffee, new signage and street art as they explore and experiment with different formats and layouts.

Sydney-based street artist Mulga, real name Joel Moore, will be commissioned to create the street art and murals present outside the corner stores (DA 89/21), drawing inspiration from some of the area’s local landmarks such as Luna Park.

Mulga and his work at Poppi’s Preschool and Long Day Care.
Photo credit: Facebook/Mulga the Artist

These plans will cost a total of $37,900, and the North Sydney branch won’t be the only one to receive such drastic changes. ALDI has also announced that they intend to open other convenient, small-format stores in neighbourhoods all over Australia.

Though the development plan has yet to be approved, ALDI promises that these new changes, if implemented, will make for a much more convenient shopping experience. These plans are currently under assessment by North Sydney Council.

ALDI North Sydney can be found at 99 Mount St, North Sydney, open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the supermarket chain and their bid to rebrand.

BarLume in North Sydney Brings Back Pleasurable Offices Lunches

A substantial part of workplace culture is co-workers sharing lunches or dining out together but that has been largely absent for over a year because of the pandemic. Not one to be easily discouraged, the owners of BarLume forged ahead and opened their newest lobby cafe in North Sydney to appeal to office workers despite companies adopting a work-from-home setup.

Adam Choker planned BarLume with his sister, Caroline Choker, well before the world shut down due to the virus. Whilst most food business owners would regret launching a restaurant in this uncertain period, Adam — who isn’t just any restaurateur — saw this as an opportunity to work with very accommodating landlords, the Winten Property Group.

They believed that Adam can turn the lobby of the tallest building in North Sydney into another dining destination.

His family is behind some of Sydney’s popular food venues like The Grounds of Alexandria, Happy Larry and Flower Child Cafe, which have flourished despite the lockdowns. Needless to say, Adam knows what will click with a specific dining crowd and tapped head chef Jimmy Ryu, sous chef Jonathan Dobbin and chef de partie, Hazahab Putragading, to run BarLume’s kitchen.

BarLume’s chefs planned out a mouthwatering menu perfect for Sydney professionals, executives and business people who crave healthy but appetizing meals before work, during lunch breaks, or after work. The choices include toasts, Panzella, healthy bowls, sandwiches, grills and pasta, and there’s a separate takeaway menu as well.

Thursday and Friday, between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., is reserved for aperitivo with $6 to $10 drinks.

Meanwhile, Caroline took charge of putting together BarLume’s glamourous but cosy interiors with the help of the architectural company, Bates Smart. She came up with a sleek spot that would be irresistible to Nine and Microsoft employees, who are just some of the tenants of the building.

BarLume opened in mid-March. Follow the restaurant’s Instagram page for updates.

Coles, Uber Eats Partner to Deliver Ready-to-Eat Meals and Supermarket Essentials in North Sydney

Sydneysiders familiar with the Uber Eats app may now use the app for deliveries of Coles supermarket essentials, as well as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meals, in North Sydney and nearby suburbs.

Following a trial phase in early 2019, the service will now be permanent in other Coles stores including Bondi Junction, Leichhardt, Pagewood and World Square outlets.

Using the app or the website, Uber Eats customers may simply search for Coles North Sydney and shop for what they need. They can go for ready-to-heat meals like soups, curry, roast chicken family dinners, pizzas and pies, or they may choose from the following packs:

Bundles – for essentials like milk, vegetables, fresh vegetables, avocado and cereals
Netflix and Chill – for candy bars, chips, popcorns, ice creams and chocolate snacks
Picnic – for bread, crackers cheese, salami, yoghurt, prosciutto and dips

Customers have over 100 grocery products to choose from and while Coles has its own delivery service, the Uber Eats app is more user-friendly with a faster time. The company commits to an under 30-minute delivery time, whilst customers may keep track of the route via the app.

Delivery is possible between 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an add-on fee of $5.

“Making food delivery more affordable and convenient for everyday meals are top strategic priorities for us,” said Uber Eats Regional General Manager Jodie Auster. “We’re extremely excited to work with Coles on this innovative partnership with a leading grocery brand.”

Coles is the first major supermarket chain to partner with Uber Eats in Australia.

Apartment Developments in Crows Nest, St Leonards Spark Protests Among North Sydney Locals

North Sydney locals are getting more and more vocal in protesting a series of apartment developments across the Crows Nest and St Leonards precincts.

Plans to erect several high-rise residential buildings, including a 64-storey tower along Pacific Highway, have residents giving it a thumbs down for fear that these areas would eventually become severely congested.

“There is no need for this massive overdevelopment nor is the necessary local infrastructure (schools, open space, sports facilities, community facilities) sufficient to manage any increase in population arising from additional residential and commercial development,” the residents said in a statement posted via a Facebook group.

“Our community has always supported appropriate development. What we object to is inappropriate, poorly planned, OVERDEVELOPMENT without the necessary supporting social infrastructure.”

A deluge of development applications (DA) has been filed with the North Sydney Council as the state government started infrastructure work around Crows Nest for its massive Sydney Metro Station improvements. Once completed, this railway system has been projected to grow North Sydney’s population thus the need for more homes in the area.

Thus, developers propose to demolish old low-rise buildings and detached houses to replace these with high-rise towers.

Though most of these applications are still under deliberation, residents have come together to oppose the overdevelopment. A number of locals say they still prefer living in low-rise homes with terraces as apartment living is not ideal for every family. Residents also point out that the overdevelopment would change the suburb’s character.

“I want us to have a choice and a spread of different housing,” NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes said. “If we fail to meet the housing needs of our existing and future populations we will live in a city that is increasingly divided between the haves and the have-nots.”

Among these developments include:

1. 601 Pacific Highway 64-Storey tower

The tallest building development lodged with the North Sydney Council should provide 516 homes. The proposal is still in the early stages of review.

2. 500-520 Pacific Highway The Landmark

To stand next to the 64-storey building is The Landmark, a 43-storey apartment with 495 homes. The lower levels will have offices.

3. 472-494 Pacific Highway St Leonards Square

Next to the Landmark, this two-tower building has been approved and construction will be finished by 2020.

4. 617-621 Pacific Highway

This will be a 50-storey tower with 195 homes and the first six floors will be a commercial and retail space. North Sydney Council has partially approved the plan to include an arts centre in the building.

5. 575-583 Pacific Highway

Around 82 homes will be available in this 18-storey building.

6. 100 Christie St

Amidst this 36-storey commercial and residential building, the developer has also proposed a Christie Street Reserve with green open space.

7. 88 Christie St

Construction of this site with three towers and 654 homes is expected to be done by 2023. A public library has been included in this project.

To track some of the development applications, see these links: Development Application 1 | Development Application 2

Twilight Food Fair in North Sydney Extended Until Last Friday of March

Photo Credit: Twilight Food Fair/Facebook

Since 1990, North Sydney has been holding the Twilight Food Fair every Friday evening during summer. This 2019, however, the event has been extended until the end of March.

From 5:40 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Civic Park on Miller Street becomes an entertainment and recreational centre for families and groups who want to try different international cuisines.

This year roster of food vendors at the Twilight Food Fair include:

*Photo Credit:* *Twilight Food Fair/Facebook*

*Photo Credit:* *Pasalubongs Filipino Food Soul/Facebook*

But the Twilight Food Fair is not just a food lover’s paradise. Apart from the gastronomic delights, guests are also treated to live entertainment from local bands and other acts. People sing along, dance and relax to the music; it’s the perfect way to end the work week!

Children, on the other hand, may join interactive games, glitter tattoo party, face painting activities, and story time sessions.

Each weekend has a different line-up and here are the entertainers for the last two weekends:

22nd of March The Vicky Turner Band and Bricks 4 Kidz
29th of March Crunching Numbers

Due to a couple of weather disturbances last summer, the North Sydney Council decided to extend this year’s run. Check the Twilight Food Fair page for schedule changes and other updates.