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Neutral Bay Plaza Nears Completion as Name Submissions Open for New Space

A newly upgraded public space in Neutral Bay is nearing completion, with residents invited to submit suggestions for the permanent name of Young Street Plaza following a proposal to begin community engagement.

Naming a New Space in Neutral Bay

As the transformation of Young Street Plaza approaches completion, attention has turned to giving the space a permanent identity. A proposal to begin a 28-day engagement period is expected to follow a meeting scheduled for 12 April 2026, with a formal report also presented on 13 April 2026, allowing the community to put forward name suggestions for the newly created plaza.

The naming process is intended to establish a clear identity for the space while supporting wayfinding within Neutral Bay village.

How to Take Part

Residents can submit proposed names by addressing them to the Property Officer via post at P.O. Box 12, North Sydney NSW 2060, or by email to council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Guidance will be made available to ensure submissions align with established naming criteria, helping maintain consistency and relevance across the local area during the 28-day engagement period.

plaza naming — Photo Credit: NorthSydneyCouncil

Reflecting Place, History and Community

Suggested names will be assessed against principles that recognise local heritage, cultural diversity, and meaningful connections to place. Consideration will also be given to Aboriginal naming, environmental features, and notable people or events associated with the area.

Names are expected to be distinct and appropriate, ensuring clarity and avoiding duplication across the local area.

community engagement — Photo Credit: NorthSydneyCouncil

From Temporary Trial to Permanent Plaza

The site has evolved significantly since its early use as a temporary trial. Young Street was closed to traffic as part of a trial that opened on 23 December 2020, testing the viability of a pedestrian-focused plaza and improving conditions linked to nearby transport access.

Following consultation and design development, the project progressed to a permanent upgrade. Construction began on site in October 2025 and was substantially completed in March 2026.

The finished plaza includes new trees, seating areas, a children’s play space, and a pedestrian thoroughfare designed to improve safety and accessibility. A section of the street has also been reopened to allow one-way traffic exiting onto Military Road.

A Name Ready for Community Input

With works largely complete as of March 2026, the naming stage invites the community to define how the space will be recognised. The proposed engagement period will provide an opportunity for residents to contribute to the identity of this newly established public space in Neutral Bay.

Published 15-Apr-2026

Neutral Bay Locals Face Fight To Save Waterfront Meeting Spot as Seizure Notices Appear

Photo Credit: Google Maps

North Sydney Council rangers have placed seizure notices on community furniture along Hayes Street in Neutral Bay, sparking outrage among residents who use the waterfront area as an informal meeting spot.

At least 20 notices were affixed to tables and chairs at 5pm on Wednesday, 27 February, warning that the outdoor furniture would be removed by council on 13 March at 5pm.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from locals who regularly use the seating near Hayes Street Wharf to socialise, work remotely and watch the harbour.

Residents have expressed their frustration on social media, with some describing the council’s actions as heavy-handed. The furniture, much of which has been donated by community members over the years, has become an established feature of the area where neighbours gather to play cards, enjoy coffee and watch the sunset.

Several residents using the space have indicated they plan to continue meeting there despite the notices. One local described the area as vital for mental health and community connection, particularly for those working from home.

“This quiet area is used daily by the community,” said one woman who lives nearby. She noted the space is frequented by parents with prams, elderly residents and remote workers.

North Sydney Councillor Jessica Keen told local news outlet Mosman Collective she was surprised by the sudden enforcement action. Councillor Keen has indicated she will move an urgency motion at Monday’s council meeting to reverse the decision.

Published 5-March-2026

Neutral Bay Land Identified For Post-Construction Transfer After Freeway Upgrade

Photo Credit: NSW Gov

Land used during construction linked to the Warringah Freeway Upgrade in Neutral Bay has been identified as likely candidates for transfer for ongoing care, control and management once construction activities conclude.

Neutral Bay Sites Identified

Six sites across the North Sydney local government area have been identified for potential transfer following construction, with two located in Neutral Bay.

The Neutral Bay sites are Rose Avenue Reserve, at the corner of Alfred Street and Rose Avenue, measuring 975.2 square metres, and Merlin Street Reserve, at the corner of Merlin Street and McIntosh Lane, measuring 1,054 square metres.

Both areas were used during construction and are now being reviewed as the project moves toward completion.

Background And Project Context

The Warringah Freeway Upgrade involves works along a four-kilometre corridor between High Street in North Sydney and Willoughby Road in Naremburn. Early works for the project began in March 2021, with construction commencement listed as December 2022. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Works include interchange upgrades, bridge construction and widening, road realignments, and changes to pedestrian, cycling and bus infrastructure. Multiple locations were used as temporary construction support sites throughout the project.

Merlin Street Reserve — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov*

Construction Sites And Local Impacts

Several locations in and around Neutral Bay were used to support construction activities associated with the freeway upgrade.

Merlin Street Reserve included a construction support site known as WFU7, which occupied approximately 1,700 square metres within the reserve during construction. The site supported works linked to the realignment of Alfred Street North and construction of a new southbound bus lane bridge off Falcon Street. It is located on the eastern side of the Warringah Freeway and is bordered by residential properties, local roads and the freeway corridor.

Construction support activities generally occurred during standard construction hours, with some bridge and surface works requiring out-of-hours activity at times.

Beyond individual support sites, construction works also affected surrounding road corridors. Along Alfred Street North, including sections between Rose Avenue and Kurraba Road, works associated with bridge construction, road widening and interchange upgrades resulted in changes to access and parking during construction.

Warringah Freeway Upgrade — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov*

Traffic And Parking Impacts

Assessment of the Merlin Street support site indicated a worst-case scenario of up to 150 light vehicle movements per day on Merlin Street south of Falcon Street, with traffic impacts anticipated to be minor due to existing low traffic volumes.

Up to 10 on-street parking spaces were temporarily removed near the Merlin Street site during construction, with nearby streets providing alternatives.

Separate works along Alfred Street North resulted in the permanent removal of approximately 96 on-street parking spaces across two sections. About 23 new spaces were provided following completion, resulting in a net reduction in on-street parking serving North Sydney and Neutral Bay, with no nearby alternatives identified.

Temporary long-term closures of sections of Alfred Street North were also required during construction, with access to properties maintained through alternative routes and existing turning facilities.

Neutral Bay land transfer — *Photo Credit: NSW Gov*

Next Steps

A meeting scheduled for Monday 9 February 2026 is expected to consider a motion enabling the Chief Executive Officer of North Sydney Council to begin formal discussions with Transport for NSW regarding future care, control and management of the identified sites.

No land has been formally transferred at this stage. Any transfer would occur following completion of construction activities, compliance processes and agreement on management arrangements.

Published 5-Feb-2026

Australia Day 2026 Honours Recognise Contributions Across Law, Community And Arts

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Neutral Bay residents have been recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours, acknowledging long-standing service across law, social welfare, corporate governance, arts and education.

Neutral Bay In The Australia Day 2026 Honours

The Australia Day 2026 Honours List recognised 949 Australians across the Order of Australia, meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

Within the General Division of the Order of Australia, honours included appointments as Officers, Members, and recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Mr Graham John Bradley AM

Graham John Bradley was listed in the northern Sydney honours coverage as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to corporate governance, arts leadership, and to sport and education.

Neutray Bay Honours List — Photo Credit: Infrastructure NSW

His leadership roles include serving as Chairman of Infrastructure NSW, appointed in July 2013. He is also chair of Virgin Australia International Holdings Pty Ltd, Waveconn Group Holdings Management Pty Limited, and Symphony Infrastructure Partners Pty Limited, and a Director of Tennis Australia.

He is also chair of Shine Justice Limited and the Ensemble Theatre, and devotes time to non-profit organisations including the State Library of NSW, through council membership from 2004 to 2013 and ongoing foundation board involvement since 2004. He was previously made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009.

Mr Maxwell James Connery OAM

Maxwell James Connery was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to social welfare and to choral music.

He is listed as Co-Founder of Stepping Stone House (1989) and Founder and Trustee of the Stepping Stone Foundation (2003), serving as Chair from 2003 to 2021. He has also been a member of the Stepping Stone House Aboriginal Advisory Committee since 2017, and is associated with Bawaga Angus Fergusson House (2021).

Mr Connery is also involved in the community through membership of the Sydney Cove Rotary Club, and musical participation with the Sydney Male Choir since 2002, as well as the Sydney Philharmonia Festival Choir. He previously received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2000.

The Honourable Peter Lind Johnstone AM

The Honourable Peter Lind Johnstone was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the law and the judiciary, to legal standards, and to Indigenous youth.

His judicial service includes roles as Chief Magistrate of the Local Court of New South Wales (2021–2024) and President of the Children’s Court of New South Wales (2012–2021), as well as Judge of the District Court of New South Wales (2006–2021) and earlier acting appointments.

Australia Day 2026 — *Photo Credit: The Law Society of NSW*

He oversaw the establishment and expansion of the Youth Koori Court in 2015. His career also includes extensive roles connected to professional standards and legal administration, including involvement with rules and procedure committees and legal profession bodies.

Before entering full-time judicial service, he held senior roles at Ashurst (Blake Dawson Waldron), including Partner from 1977 to 2005, and multiple leadership positions. His publications include authorship of the NSW Civil Practice and Procedure Service (2005–2012), along with contributions to bench book materials and legal writing.

Outlook

The inclusion of multiple Neutral Bay residents in the Australia Day 2026 Honours reflects long-term service across professional and community sectors, with recipients recognised at a national level for sustained contributions.

Published 27-Jan-2026

Ezzelino’s Closes in Neutral Bay After More Than Four Decades

Photo Credit: Ezzelino's/Facebook

Ezzelino’s has closed permanently in Neutral Bay, bringing to an end a long-running Italian restaurant that first opened in the suburb in 1982.

A Long History In Neutral Bay

Ezzelino’s began operating in Neutral Bay more than four decades ago and maintained a continuous presence in the local dining scene for over 40 years. Located on Military Road, the restaurant became known for serving Italian pizza and pasta and operated as a family-run business throughout its history.

The restaurant was managed across three generations of the founding family before changing hands in 2025. Over time, the venue underwent three changes to its street frontage while continuing to trade within the same suburb.

Neutral Bay restaurant — Photo Credit: Ezzelino’s/Facebook

Ownership Change In 2025

On 1 March 2025, ownership of the restaurant transferred to Christine and Christian, who took over from the third generation of the founding family. The business continued operating under the existing name following the handover.

Less than a year later, the restaurant ceased trading and did not reopen after the Christmas and New Year break.

Closure Announcement

The owners confirmed in January 2026 that the closure was permanent. They stated that the decision followed difficulties in maintaining the business’s viability, leading to the restaurant shutting its doors for good.

Public statements issued at the time confirmed there would be no reopening after the holiday period.

Italian restaurant Sydney — Photo Credit: Ezzelino’s/Facebook

Community Reaction In Neutral Bay

News of the closure prompted a strong response from customers and local residents. Messages shared publicly reflected disappointment at the loss of a long-standing restaurant and appreciation for the years it operated in Neutral Bay.

Several comments referred to recent visits, planned bookings, and long-term patronage, indicating the restaurant remained active shortly before closing.

Recognition Shortly Before Closure

Despite its closure, the restaurant continued to receive recognition in 2025. Ezzelino’s was listed as a finalist in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the North Shore Local Business Awards during the same year.

Next Steps

Following the closure, the owners indicated they are moving into a new phase focused on family life. No further announcements have been made regarding the future of the business.

The closure marks the end of a restaurant that operated continuously in Neutral Bay for more than four decades.

Published 10-Jan-2026

High N’ Dry Brings Flame-Grilled Burgers to Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: High N’ Dry

Popular burger brand High N’ Dry has expanded its footprint to the North Shore by bringing its signature flame-grilled wagyu beef and retro vibe to a new venue in Neutral Bay.

A Neighbourhood Destination

Opening its third Sydney location in late 2025, the business took over a space on Rangers Road, positioned directly across from Woolworths. Co-founder Ben Kagan explained that the team specifically looked for a site tucked away from the main strip.

The goal was to create a local institution rather than feeling like a large chain on a busy highway. The owners felt the area shared a similar demographic to their first permanent site in Leichhardt, making the move across the bridge a natural next step for the growing brand.

From DJs to Dining

The road to Neutral Bay began more than 10 years ago when founders Andrew Saliba and Kagan worked as a DJ promotion team. Their focus shifted to hospitality after they hosted a burger event at a Paddington pub that drew bigger crowds than their music events. This success led to a pop-up and eventually a permanent venue originally called “Down N’ Out.”

However, the business faced a major hurdle when the American chain In-N-Out Burger took legal action over the name. After a brief stint as “Nameless Bar” and the challenges of the pandemic, the duo rebuilt and launched the High N’ Dry brand.

Flame-Grilled Favourites

While many current burger joints focus on “smash” patties, High N’ Dry separates itself by serving thick, flame-grilled wagyu beef blends. Kagan noted that the flame grill provides a smoky flavour that smash patties cannot replicate.

The menu features the classic single beef burger with American cheese and secret sauce, alongside spicy options like the Nashville Hot Chicken burger. The kitchen also caters to non-meat eaters with Southern Fried Tofu and mushroom burgers.

Art and Atmosphere

The new venue operates as a fully licensed bar, offering 15 craft beers from New South Wales breweries without requiring a food purchase. The interior reflects a mix of food and nineties pop culture, featuring illustrations by artist John Payne.

To complete the look, the space showcases large-scale graffiti by artist ‘Dizzy,’ designed to resemble a gritty subway corridor.

Published Date 08-January-2026

Neutral Bay Bakery My Little Cupcake Closes After 22 Years

Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

A long-established bakery in Neutral Bay has closed permanently, with My Little Cupcake confirming it will not reopen in 2026 after more than two decades in operation.

Closure Confirmed After Christmas Eve 2025

The Ben Boyd Road business ceased trading on Christmas Eve 2025, ending a 22-year presence in the Neutral Bay retail area. The closure was announced publicly through the business’s social media channels.

Over its years of operation, the bakery became known for cakes and cupcakes made on site, as well as in-store experiences that attracted repeat customers from across Sydney.

Neutral Bay bakery — Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

Reasons Given For Ending Trade

The decision to close was attributed to several factors occurring at the same time. These included the end of the shop’s lease, the building being prepared for sale, and an ankle replacement surgery of the owner scheduled for early 2026.

Together, these circumstances led to a decision to retire rather than continue operating the business. No plans were announced to reopen the bakery in another location.

Other Retail Departures Noted In The Area

The closure was reported alongside other business exits previously identified in Neutral Bay, including Dymocks, Pearsons Jewellers, Merrigal Gifts, Ezzelinos Italian and a long-standing discount store. No additional details were provided on the timing or circumstances of those closures.

Property Details At Ben Boyd Road

Property records cited in reporting show the site occupies a 330 square metre landholding. The land was last valued at $1.95 million and is zoned for low-density residential use. At the time of reporting, no sale listing had been recorded.

Photo Credit: My Little Cupcake/Facebook

Community Response And Reflections

The announcement prompted an outpouring of responses from customers, former staff and local residents. Many shared memories of birthday cakes, weddings, children’s milestones and regular visits spanning multiple generations. Messages consistently expressed appreciation for the role the bakery played in personal celebrations, along with well wishes ahead of retirement and surgery.

An End To A Long-Running Chapter

With the business closed and the property yet to be listed for sale, the future use of the site remains undetermined. For now, the closure marks the end of a 22-year chapter in Neutral Bay’s local retail landscape.

Published 2-Jan-2026

Pocket Pizza Opens Largest Venue Yet In Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

A long-established Northern Beaches pizza venue has expanded to Neutral Bay, with Pocket Pizza opening a new dine-in location on Young Street, marking its first move onto Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

Expansion Beyond The Northern Beaches

Pocket Pizza was founded in 2015 by friends Ben Pichon and Dylan Eisenhut, initially operating from a small site near Manly Corso. The business later relocated to a larger premises on Pittwater Road as demand grew, establishing itself as a regular dining option for locals across the Northern Beaches.

The business expanded further in 2022 with the opening of a second venue in Brookvale. A third location followed in Avalon the next year, extending Pocket Pizza’s footprint further north before its decision to expand beyond the beaches.

The Neutral Bay opening represents the brand’s fourth venue overall and its first on the Lower North Shore.

Pocket Pizza Neutral Bay — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

New Venue Details In Neutral Bay

The Neutral Bay site is located at 24 Young Street, on the corner of Young and Grosvenor Streets. The premises was previously occupied by Pocket Pita Pop Up and later El Guapo Cantine before being taken over by Pocket Pizza.

The Neutral Bay venue opened around 18 December 2025, with reservations being accepted through OpenTable ahead of the launch period.

Neutral Bay pizza — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

Menu And Dining Format

The Neutral Bay location offers the same Italian-American menu associated with Pocket Pizza’s earlier venues. This includes New York-style pizzas and pasta dishes, with items designed for shared dining.

Menu listings include fusilli with vodka sauce and the Netflix & Chilli pizza, alongside antipasto options, sides and desserts. The Neutral Bay menu mirrors the structure used at other Pocket Pizza locations, maintaining consistency across the brand.

Northern Beaches pizza — Photo Credit: Pocket Pizza/Facebook

Trading Hours

Trading hours for the Neutral Bay venue are listed as Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. until late, and Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. until late.

Published 24-Dec-2025

Locals Rally to Preserve Historic Bydown Terraces in Neutral Bay

Photo Credit: Change.org

Residents in Neutral Bay are rallying to save a row of century-old terraces from demolition after a development application proposed replacing them with an eight-storey apartment block.

Historic Terraces at Risk

A proposal lodged with North Sydney Council seeks approval to demolish six adjoining properties at 27–37 Bydown Street, Neutral Bay, and replace them with a 28-metre-high residential building containing 25 apartments, including six affordable housing units. The $30 million project, designed by PBD Architects for developer Bydown Street Residence DM Pty Ltd, also includes three basement levels of parking.

The 1211.7-square-metre site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential. The existing cottages, built around 1908, are believed to have housed tram workers and are considered part of Neutral Bay’s early working-class heritage.

Bydown Terraces Neutral Bay — Photo Credit: Change.org

Community Effort to Save the Cottages

Local residents have launched a campaign titled Save Bydown Terraces from Demolition – Neutral Precinct to prevent the redevelopment. The online petition calls for an Interim Heritage Order to protect the six adjoining homes, describing them as a rare and intact example of federation workers’ cottages that reflect the suburb’s cultural and architectural history.

The campaign has gained more than 180 signatures, with residents voicing concerns over increased congestion, loss of historical character, and the scale of new developments reshaping the lower north shore. Many argue that once historical homes are demolished, the suburb’s unique identity will be permanently altered.

Council Considers Heritage Protection

A motion was presented at the North Sydney Council meeting on 13 October 2025, following strong community advocacy. Councillors voted unanimously to appoint a heritage consultant to assess whether the Bydown Street cottages are eligible for protection under an Interim Heritage Order.

This decision followed community representations citing the buildings’ historical associations with builder Frank Harpham and architect Thomas W. Hodgson, both linked to significant early 20th-century developments in the area. Harpham was a founding member of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, while Hodgson served multiple terms as a North Sydney mayor.

Heritage and Planning Context

The proposed eight-storey project is part of the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow increased height and density if developments include affordable housing. The Neutral Bay site meets this criterion, proposing six affordable units within the 25-apartment complex.

Recently submitted design renders revealed the new structure’s scale, sparking further concern among residents. Community members claim the building would dominate its surroundings and impact nearby heritage landmarks such as the Neutral Bay Fire Station and Public School.

heritage protection — Photo Credit: Change.org

SIGN THE PETITION NOW

Continuing Campaign

The Neutral Precinct group continues to encourage public submissions and correspondence with council representatives before a final decision is made. While supporters of the redevelopment cite the need for increased housing, many residents argue that heritage conservation should take precedence in maintaining Neutral Bay’s historic character.

The development application (DA 310/2025) remains open for community submissions through the North Sydney Council Planning Portal, with a final outcome pending the heritage consultant’s assessment.

Published 15-Oct-2025

Military Road Nike Outlet Among Sydney Stores To Close After Franchisee Enters Liquidation

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Nike store on Military Road has closed its doors permanently following the collapse of AF-1, the franchisee that operated the Neutral Bay outlet along with six other Nike stores across Sydney.

The franchisee, which had been operating for nearly two decades, has been forced into liquidation after losing its licensing agreement with Nike, leaving as many as 115 workers without jobs.

The Neutral Bay store, located at 185 Military Road on the corner of Rangers Road, was one of seven AF-1-operated Nike outlets affected by the sudden closure. Other stores included those at Pitt Street in the CBD, Bondi, Chatswood, Burwood, Warringah and Castle Hill.

Liquidator John Morgan from BCR Advisory has been appointed to manage the wind-up process and confirmed that eligible employee entitlements, including unpaid annual leave, wages and redundancy payments, will be covered under the Commonwealth Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.

The liquidator’s office has provided information to affected employees about how to apply for compensation through the federal funding program.

For customers holding gift certificates or store credits for the affected stores, the news is disappointing. These will not be honoured, as they represent unsecured claims against the franchisee.

Morgan stated that his office is working with Nike and landlords to arrange an orderly closedown of the shops and, where appropriate, facilitate the return of goods to Nike under existing supply arrangements.

A Nike spokesperson confirmed that agreements with AF-1 had ended “effective immediately” and said the company appreciated the partnership. Nike added it looks forward to continuing to serve consumers through its growing network of Nike stores, multibrand retail partners and online platform.

Other Sydney Nike stores not managed by AF-1 will continue to operate.

The closures add to a challenging period for Australian retail, with several major brands experiencing difficulties in recent times.

Published 1-October-2025