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Coles Steps Into Neutral Bay With New Store at Former Woolworths Site

Neutral Bay residents have a new place to shop after Coles opened a store on Grosvenor Street, replacing the Woolworths that shut down just 10 weeks earlier.

New Coles Brings Fresh Life to Neutral Bay Site After Woolworths Exit

Coles has stepped into Neutral Bay with a new supermarket on Grosvenor Street, transforming the site left vacant by Woolworths and giving the community a familiar, yet refreshed place to shop.

*Photo Credit: Mosman Collective/Facebook*

The new store began trading in April, just 71 days after Woolworths shut its doors. While the layout closely resembles its predecessor, Coles has made some upgrades to bring more variety and local flavour to the shopping experience.

More Than Just a Fill-In

Coles has bigger plans for the site, including future housing above the supermarket, a public underground car park and a plaza linking to Grosvenor Lane. The company is working with North Sydney Council to develop the concept.

Council issued an Expression of Interest in December 2024 to explore the plaza project, with submissions closing in February 2025. The proposal is still in the early stages, and for now, the supermarket is being treated as a “stop-gap” location while planning continues.

Familiar Faces, New Features

Inside the new Coles, shoppers will find a Snowfox sushi bar, a flatbread station with fresh baked goods, and a freezer stocked with mochi, mini ice creams and desserts.

*Photo Credit: KweePhaik Lim/Google Maps*

A new Liquorland has also replaced the former BWS, offering a selection of beer, wine and spirits, including products from local producers such as Manly Spirits, Nomad Brewing and Lord Nelson Brewery.

Coles says the store focuses on quality produce and well-stocked essentials, with food donations to SecondBite supporting people in need.

Neighbourhood Impact

The Big Bear Shopping Centre store, just 500 metres from the new site, will remain open. Coles confirmed it has no plans to close that location, giving locals more options as the neighbourhood continues to grow.

Coles’ regional team thanked locals for their patience and said they’re committed to revitalising the site. In the meantime, the new store keeps a key Neutral Bay spot active for daily use.

Published 21-April-2025

Young Street Plaza Delay Frustrates Neutral Bay Residents as Council Plans Partial Reopening

Photo Credit: North Sydney Council/Facebook

Young Street Plaza in Neutral Bay, once a lively pop-up space for locals, has sat in limbo for more than three years—its long-promised upgrade now sparking fresh frustration as council finally sets a timeline for partial reopening.

A Plaza in Pause

Young Street Plaza was closed to traffic in late 2020 for a short-term trial to test its use as a pedestrian space. It soon became a well-used spot with seating, greenery and pop-up events. But the temporary setup dragged on for years, and with little upkeep or clear updates, the space gradually declined.

*Photo Credit: North Sydney Council/Facebook*

In October 2024, North Sydney Council agreed to partially reopen Young Street to one-way traffic, while upgrading the rest into a permanent plaza. Work is set to begin mid-2025 and finish by year’s end.

The Original Idea That Inspired Locals

ASPECT Studios designed the temporary plaza with a people-first, low-cost approach, using playful seating and native-inspired graphics to liven up Neutral Bay. At first, it worked, drawing events, meet-ups and steady foot traffic.

Over time, with no upgrades or clear plans, the plaza lost momentum. Locals raised concerns about its worn-out state and questioned why places like Lane Cove had progressed while Young Street stalled.

Community Feels Left in the Dark

Despite pop-ups and online consultations, some residents feel left out due to patchy updates. Local businesses also worry about foot traffic and vague timelines, with many unsure if the plaza will ever fulfil its original goal.

What’s Next for the Plaza

The final plan includes new trees, benches, kids’ play areas and safer walkways, using materials that match North Sydney’s design standards. Funded by Transport for NSW, the upgrade stems from a 2018 deal linked to the B-Line bus route.

The design strikes a balance, keeping part of the street for traffic while upgrading the plaza. Locals were invited to give feedback during consultations in May and June 2024.

Despite progress, delays have worn thin. Locals want action, not more plans, and are watching to see if the project finally turns into real change.

Published 17-April-2025

Neutral Bay Features in North Sydney Seniors Festival Line-Up

Photo Credit: NSC

Neutral Bay and other North Sydney locales will be the central point for the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival, featuring a program designed to engage older residents and promote community connection.

Festival Overview

The annual NSW Seniors Festival, themed “Time to Shine!” for 2025, will run from 3 to 16 March. North Sydney Council plays a significant role in organising and supporting local activities. The festival aims to acknowledge the valuable contributions of senior citizens and foster lasting connections within the community.

The program features a variety of activities, including musical performances, literary events, and social gatherings, across several venues in the North Sydney area, including community centres and the Stanton Library.

Program Highlights

The festival includes a Seniors Morning Tea at the Neutral Bay Community Centre on Wednesday, 5 March, at 10:30 am. Other events scheduled throughout the festival include a “Swinging Sixties” musical event at the Crows Nest Centre, a literary performance called “The Bard and the Harp” at Stanton Library, and a variety show featuring scones, jam, and cream at the Seaborn, Broughton and Walford Foundation.

The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre will host a Garden Party Luncheon, and the North Sydney Community Centre will provide a range of activities, including a playgroup for grandparents and grandchildren, an introduction to drawing, media literacy workshops, Tai Chi, fitness, and Zumba taster classes, and a creative writing session. A “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Northside Produce Market at Ted Mack Civic Park will conclude the festival events.

Community Engagement

North Sydney’s Mayor, Zoë Baker, noted that the festival provides an opportunity to celebrate the crucial role of seniors in the local community.

She expressed that the festival is a platform for seniors to connect with local organisations and form relationships extending beyond the festival period. The council’s efforts focus on providing diverse activities catering to the senior community’s diverse interests.

Published Date 04-March-2025

Woolworths Launches Legal Challenge Over Neutral Bay Supermarket Redevelopment

Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001

Woolworths has filed a legal appeal over the redevelopment of its Neutral Bay supermarket, escalating a long-standing dispute over the $169 million project. The appeal follows delays in the decision-making process, which led to the application being “deemed refused.”

Neutral Bay development — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001*

Background of the Dispute

The proposed development (10.2024.00000281.001) was lodged by Woolworths subsidiary Fabcot Pty Ltd. It seeks to transform the existing supermarket site at 1-7 Rangers Road and 50 Yeo Street into a mixed-use complex. Plans include an eight-storey building with 70 residential units, a modernised Woolworths supermarket, additional retail spaces, a public plaza, and 326 basement parking spaces.

The project has been under review for more than two years, and NSC is under scrutiny for its prolonged assessment process. Community feedback has been divided, with some residents welcoming the revitalisation while others opposing the scale and height of the development.

Proposed Woolworths supermarket and public plaza at Neutral Bay. — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001*

Details of the Proposed Development

Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the project would replace the existing supermarket and commercial building with a structure ranging from six to eight storeys. It includes:

70 residential apartments (11 one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, 28 three-bedroom, and two four-bedroom units).
A redeveloped Woolworths supermarket spanning 3,850 square metres.
Specialty retail space covering 1,352 square metres.
A future medical centre occupying 2,389 square metres across two floors.
A public plaza of 1,100 square metres.
An underground five-level parking facility with 342 spaces, including dedicated spots for residents, retail, and medical centre visitors.

The project also incorporates sustainable design features. Green spaces and upgraded pedestrian pathways along Rangers Road and Yeo Street were also considered.

Artistic impression of the Neutral Bay Woolworths redevelopment. — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001*

Community Concerns and NSC Response

The redevelopment proposal has generated mixed reactions among Neutral Bay residents. Some support the upgrade, citing the need for a modern supermarket and additional amenities. Woolworths has referenced a community survey indicating 57% of respondents were in favour of the development, with many describing the current store as outdated.

However, opposition remains over the height and density of the project, with concerns about overshadowing, increased traffic congestion, and compliance with NSC’s development controls, particularly regarding parking provisions.

In response to the legal challenge, the NSC stated that the application was complex and required careful planning consideration but did not provide further comments on the court appeal.

Woolworths Neutral Bay plans — *Photo Credit: DA/10.2024.00000281.001*

Next Steps in the Legal Process

With Woolworths’ appeal now before the Land and Environment Court, the final decision on the Neutral Bay redevelopment will be determined through legal proceedings. The case could set a precedent for future major developments in the area, particularly regarding NSC planning approvals and private sector investment.

Should the court rule in favour of Woolworths, the project is expected to create up to 263 ongoing jobs and introduce new residential and commercial infrastructure to Neutral Bay.

Published 25-Feb-2025

From Grandeur to Grave: The Austral’s Harbour Catastrophe

Photo Credit: Trove

Neutral Bay witnessed an extraordinary event in the late 19th century: the sinking and subsequent salvage of the RMS Austral.

This incident, which occurred in late 1882 and early 1883, captivated the city and left a lasting mark on maritime history. For six weeks, the sight of four masts and two funnels protruding from the harbour waters became a daily spectacle for Manly ferry commuters.

The Austral, a 5580-tonne steamer owned by the Orient Steam Navigation Co., was a state-of-the-art vessel built on the River Clyde, Scotland, for the England-Australia route. After a successful maiden voyage in May 1882, the ship arrived in Sydney to great acclaim. Its luxurious dining room was praised and considered superior to anything Sydney’s cafes and hotels could offer. However, a foreshadowing incident occurred during coaling in Sydney when the ship developed an unexplained list, which was eventually corrected.

The Austral’s second voyage to Sydney concluded on 3 November 1882. The Bulli Coal Company’s collier, Woonona, was contracted to supply coal while the Austral was berthed at Circular Quay. The Austral had 15 coaling ports along its hull. After only 230 tonnes of coal were loaded, the Austral suddenly listed to starboard. The Woonona crew spent five hours redistributing cargo and coal to stabilise the ship, which was moved to a mooring off Neutral Bay.

Coaling resumed on 10 November at 10 pm. The loading rate was 25-30 tonnes per hour. The ship began to list again, but initially, it did not cause alarm. However, at 3:50 am on 11 November, water rushed into the coal bunkers, causing a dangerous starboard list that threatened the Woonona. Within 20 minutes, the Austral vanished beneath the surface, settling on the harbour floor, tragically trapping and drowning five men. The next morning revealed the surreal scene of the ship’s masts and funnels sticking out of the water.

A coroner’s inquiry found the Austral’s captain, chief engineer, and chief officer guilty of a “grave error of judgment” for not ensuring senior officer supervision during coaling. Controversially, the subsequent Court of Marine Inquiry was held in London, not Sydney.

Various recovery plans were proposed. English engineers suggested using caissons, while local engineers advocated for a cofferdam. The local approach was adopted. A team of 16 divers and over 80 other workers spent six weeks constructing the coffer dam, effectively extending the hull by five metres. On 27 February 1883, ten pumps began extracting water at 280 tonnes per hour. After four months underwater, the Austral was refloated and towed to shallower waters.

Over the next two months, the ship’s engines were overhauled, and temporary repairs were made. A successful sea trial on 28 May 1883, confirmed its seaworthiness for its return to England, which began on 9 June, seven months after its initial arrival in Sydney.

Back in England, stability tests finally took place. At the London inquiry, the ship’s designer admitted he had not previously deemed such tests necessary. The court determined the sinking resulted from several factors: lack of stability testing, insufficient senior officers on board, and inadequate supervision of the coaling process. A Sydney newspaper described the sinking as “an occurrence almost without precedence in the annals of maritime history.”

By April 1884, the Austral was reconditioned and returned to service, reappearing in Sydney Harbour in January 1885. However, further tragedy struck in February 1886 when three crew members drowned off Dobroyd Head after their whaleboat capsized. A gruesome discovery followed a week later: remains of one of the crew were found inside a shark caught on the day of the accident.

The Austral continued voyaging between England and Australia until its sale to shipbreakers in Genoa in late 1903, closing a chapter marked by grandeur and misfortune.

Published Date 17-December-2024

Lions Hearing Clinic Brings World-Class Care to Sydney’s North Shore

Lions Hearing Clinic, backed by world-class research from the Ear Science Institute Australia, brings its award-winning hearing care to Sydney with the opening of four new state-of-the-art facilities. As Western Australia’s most trusted hearing provider, the expansion marks a significant advancement in accessible hearing healthcare for residents of Neutral Bay and surrounds.

Read: Eastview Secures Approval for $24 Million Mixed-Use Development in Neutral Bay

Research-backed excellence in hearing care at Lions Hearing Clinic

The clinic network, owned and operated by Ear Science Institute Australia, is the only Australian clinic network supported by a medical research institute. All proceeds from hearing solutions directly fund world-renowned research into ear and hearing disorders, creating a sustainable cycle of care and innovation.

Craig Segaer & Sheng Foo — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The strategic expansion includes clinics in Neutral Bay, Chatswood, Bondi, and Sydney CBD. Notably, the Neutral Bay and Chatswood clinics feature clinician and audiologist Kate Lau (pictured below), offering appointments in Mandarin and Cantonese to serve the area’s Chinese-speaking community.

Chun Li Zhao & Kate Lau — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Ear Science CEO Sandra Bellekom explains the expansion: “We have strong connections in research and with ENT surgeons in NSW and our research showed that there was demand for excellent evidence-based hearing care in NSW that was commission free and of the highest standard.”

Justin Langer endorses expansion, emphasises early intervention

Former Australian cricket player and coach Justin Langer endorses the clinic’s expansion, drawing from his personal experience with hearing-related issues. “With some good advice and treatment, I was good to go, and my message is that everything is treatable if you go get help,” says Langer, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Justlin Langer speaking — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Healthcare professionals advise residents to watch for common warning signs: difficulty distinguishing speech despite hearing voices, fatigue after social interactions in noisy environments, social withdrawal, telephone communication challenges, and frequently asking others to repeat themselves.

Read: Locals and Council Oppose Woolworths’ Neutral Bay Plans, Retailer Appealing

North Shore residents can schedule appointments by calling 1300 847 395 or visiting their website. Standard hearing assessments take 75–90 minutes and can be transformative for those experiencing hearing difficulties.

To celebrate the launch, all Sydney clinics are offering free hearing assessments (valued at $150) through year-end.

Published 24-November-2024

Eastview Secures Approval for $24 Million Mixed-Use Development in Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: North Sydney Council / Development Application (10.2022.00000404.001)

Eastview has received the green light for a $24 million six-storey residential and commercial project at 165 Military Road in Neutral Bay, occupying a prime 762 square metre site at the corner of Military and Wycombe Roads.

The development, designed by AE Design Partnership and Embece, will feature 21 apartments spread across levels two to five. The residential mix includes eleven two-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments with additional study spaces, four three-bedroom apartments, and two three-bedroom penthouses.

At street level, the building will house two retail tenancies, totalling 384 square metres of commercial space. The project also incorporates three levels of underground parking, providing 25 car spaces, four motorbike spaces, and bicycle storage within the resident storage area.

The strategic location of the development places it within 400 metres of key local amenities, including Neutral Bay Public School and Redlands Seniors School, enhancing its appeal to potential residents.

The journey to approval for this project has not been without challenges. Initially refused in 2022, the proposal recently gained approval through the Land and Environment Court, marking a significant milestone for Eastview and the Neutral Bay community.

This development represents a notable addition to Neutral Bay’s urban landscape, blending residential and commercial spaces in a prime location. As the project moves forward, it is expected to contribute to the area’s growth and potentially influence future developments in the suburb.

Local residents and businesses will be watching with interest as construction begins on this new addition to the Neutral Bay skyline, which promises to bring new housing options and retail opportunities to the heart of the suburb.

Published 19-June-2024

Build a Terrarium with the New Little Succers Workshops in Neutral Bay

Have you ever wanted to build your own terrarium? Now you can, thanks to Little Succers, a succulent studio in Neutral Bay.

Neutral Bay has become the new home of a permanent Little Succers studio as of mid-March 2021, and recently, they’ve started hosting some exciting events. The studio sells a variety of succulents and succulent care products, however they also host workshops that allow customers to fill glass cases with all sorts of flora for prices as low as $20.

These workshops, dubbed “Build Your Own Terrarium Bar”, are available at select dates which typically take up the latter half of each month until the end of 2021. Through these workshops, visitors will be able to attend 90-minute sessions where they can learn how to construct their terrariums, selecting everything from their vase, soil, pebbles, succulents, and decorations.

For $20 per person, visitors can reserve a spot at the workshop, however prices will increase depending on the size of the vase, the decorations implemented, as well as the succulents chosen for their creations.

What distinguishes succulents from other plants is their natural hardiness, which stems from their ability to store water in leaves, steams, or roots in order to withstand droughts. This makes them completely sustainable in households as they are low-maintenance and don’t need to be watered as often as other common house plants.

Aside from these workshops, those who visit the new studio can also purchase a variety of plant-based products such as boxes filled with a variety of succulents, pots and paints to help decorate and liven up plant containers, and build-your-own terrarium take-home kits.

Other products such as tote bags, wall planners, gift vouchers, and even succulent care kits which contain useful equipment that assist with keeping these potted plants alive are also available for purchase at the studio.

Those interested in booking a spot at their workshops can do so via this link, but hurry! Slots in May are only available between the 15th and the 23rd. For more information, visit their website. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, dates, and other special announcements.

Little Succers can be found at 81-91 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, just opposite The Oaks.

Smoking Ban in Neutral Bay, North Sydney LGA Public Areas Eyed

Smoking in public areas in Neutral Bay, including parks and footpaths, could soon be banned if North Sydney Council succeeds in passing an ordinance that will impact all public places governed by the local government area (LGA).

Mayor Jilly Gibson plans to introduce the blanket initiative at the Council meeting in April. However, all residents in this LGA will have a chance to vote on the ban at the council elections in September 2021. Ms Gibson said that the smoking ban could be included in the referendum questions that will need the inputs of the voters on the ballot.

In 2019, North Sydney Council voted to ban smoking in the CBD but Gibson now wants to expand this law across various suburbs like Neutral Bay, Cammeray, Milsons Point, Crows Nest, St Leonards and the rest of North Sydney.

If this proceeds, this LGA will be the first in all of Australia to impose a smoking ban in all public places. However, some suburbs whose areas are partly under the Willoughby Council will not be fully covered by the ban, such as Crows Nest and St Leonards.

Ms Gibson is anticipating the criticisms from the public but she stands firm in the belief that streets and public places should be smoke-free. She also doesn’t want the city streets to be riddled with cigarette butts. The mayor said that there are street workers who leave traces of their cigarettes on the ground and this initiative is one way to make public places cleaner.

Businesses in Neutral Bay, on the other hand, wonder how this rule will be enforced when there are plenty of venues with spacious outdoor areas that people use to pop a ciggie break.

Meanwhile, rangers across the LGA are not yet issuing smoking fines despite the smoking ban in the CBD. A spokesperson said this will be enforced in the second stage of the ordinance’s rollout, which will likely already include the other suburbs.

Forsyth Park in Neutral Bay Receives Council Grant to Fix Flooding Problems

Photo Credit: Glenn Stewart/Google Maps

Forsyth Park in Neutral Bay will undergo a much-needed upgrade as the North Sydney Council committed to funding the project to fix its flooding problems.

MP Trent Zimmerman confirmed in a Facebook post that the Council will provide $135,000 for the drainage overhaul of Forsyth Park. Part of the money will also be used to upgrade the upper oval to “competition standard.”

The upper oval, one of two sporting and recreational grounds at Forsyth Park, is a popular area where plenty of Neutral Bay sporting clubs and other school or recreational activities take place. In recent years, however, the site has been limitedly used because of the flooding even during light rain.

“[The upgrade] will mean it can be used more often and with less risk of injury,” Mr Zimmerman said.

*Photo Credit:* *Last Man Stands Sydney/Facebook*

North Sydney Junior District Cricket Club president Karl Riseborough welcomed the good news.

“Better use of the current facilities will take the pressure off the grounds in general and that means better schools and facilities for the children, and a safer playing environment,” Mr Riseborough said.

Details to the construction and drainage upgrade, however, have not yet been laid out as of press time.