About Frenchs Forest
Though Frenchs Forest was explored by Governor Phillip as early as 1788, it is believed that European settlement in the area did not occur until the 1850s. Originally the suburb was the home of the Guringai (Ku-Ring-Gai) language group of the Garigal Aboriginal clan, from which nearby parklands take their name. The suburb itself is named after police constable John French, who acquired one of the first land grants an opened up the Frenchs Forest real estate market in the area.
Today Frenchs Forest is a changing suburb. Since the development of the Northern Beaches Hospital (due to open in October 2018), the suburb has quickly morphed from a 1960’s era suburb to a medium density modern hub.
Shopping
Currently, Forestway is the suburb’s most recognised shopping centre. It has a relaxed village like atmosphere which provides a range of conveniences, including numerous retail outlets, cafés, restaurants and grocery shopping. There are also smaller shopping centres on Sorlie Road and Frenchs Forest Road East.
Things are about to change significantly though! Plans have been drawn up for new retail areas, commercial zones, recreation and social spots, all of them west of Wakehurst Parkway.
Development is staged in three phases and planned to roll out over at least 10 years. The first phase centres on the new town centre next to the hospital. Development up to 40m — or the same height as the hospital — is expected.
The second phase of development is to the west of the new hospital centring on Rabbett St, Naree Rd and Holland Cres. Height limits of between 11 and 40m have been proposed, allowing buildings of at least three storeys.
The third and final phase is west of Forest Way and extends from Forest Way Shopping Centre up to Grace Ave and down to Fitzpatrick Ave West.
Distance from CBD & Transportation
Frenchs Forest is just 13 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, which can be directly accessed via an express bus service. Although Frenchs Forest does not have its own train line, there are several nearby suburbs that do. Bus routes connect the suburb to Chatswood’s railway station, as well as the northern beaches and Warringah Mall.
Real Estate & Design
Currently 97 per cent of Frenchs Forest consists of freestanding houses, according to CoreLogic. However that figure is set to drop with hundreds of units earmarked for rezoned areas west of the hospital site.
The plans for a new town centre plus the new high school will draw a new generation of families to Frenchs Forest. With so much happening there will be a huge amount of new attraction to the suburb. As such, we expect prices to continue to rise. This is one suburb to watch!
Sports, Fitness & Recreation
As a recreational suburb, Frenchs Forest is exceptional. Warringah Aquatic Centre is regarded as one of Sydney’s best swimming facilities, comprising Olympic sized heated indoor and outdoor pools, as well as adjoining playing fields. Lionel Watts Oval provides fields for cricket, AFL, soccer, rugby league and netball. Frenchs Forest also offers child-friendly parks and great cycling options.
Famous Landmarks
In addition to its playing fields and aquatic centre, Frenchs Forest has a lions club, showground and several notable churches. Glen Street Theatre in adjacent Belrose is also a significant attraction, having hosted performances from some of the country’s most acclaimed production companies and actors.
Schools, Education & Institutions
The Forest provides a choice of great schools, including Frenchs Forest Public School, The Forest High School, Mimosa Public School and Davidson High School, Aspect Vern Barnett School, Forestville Montessori School, Forestville Public School, Killarney Heights High School, Killarney Heights Public School, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, Belrose Public School, Covenant Christian School, John Colet School, Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School, Wakehurst Public School and Yanginanook School. With all the changes going on to this suburb, there are also plans for a new high school.
The area’s impressive list of ilumni includes influential academics, award winning journalists, a recent Archibald prize winner and several members of INXS.
NEXT year is going to be a huge one for Frenchs Forest, with the new Northern Beaches hospital and surrounding roads unveiled.
A new town centre has been announced plus a new high school.
Frenchs Forest is going to see some big real estate changes next year, as it morphs from a 1960s era suburb to a medium-density modern hub.
Plans have been drawn up for new retail areas, commercial zones, recreation and social spots, all of them west of Wakehurst Parkway. Over the next 20 years it is expected that up 5360 new homes will be built and 2300 new jobs created.
State Government gazettal of plans developed by Northern Beaches Council is expected mid next year.
Development is staged in three phases and planned to roll out over at least 10 years. The first phase centres on the new town centre next to the hospital. Development up to 40m — or the same height as the hospital — is expected.
The second phase of development is to the west of the new hospital centring on Rabbett St, Naree Rd and Holland Cres. Height limits of between 11 and 40m have been proposed, allowing buildings of at least three storeys.
The third and final phase is west of Forest Way and extends from Forest Way Shopping Centre up to Grace Ave and down to Fitzpatrick Ave West.
Veteran real estate agent Stuart Bath of Skyline Real Estate said that as soon as the hospital opens in October 2018, the suburb will be in the spotlight and there will be renewed interest.
“I think the State Government is waiting for the hospital to open before gazetting the rezoning,” he said. “They don’t want too much development all at the same time.”
Currently 97 per cent of Frenchs Forest consists of freestanding houses, according to CoreLogic. However that figure is set to drop with hundreds of units earmarked for rezoned areas west of the hospital site.
SIGN UP FOR THE NSW REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER HERE
Mr Bath said homeowners in the shaded zoning areas should wait until gazettal to sell.
Meanwhile agents have been fielding inquiries for commercial space as auxiliary health services start positioning themselves for the hospital’s opening.
Mr Bath said the planned new town centre with shops and restaurants plus the new high school, earmarked for near the aquatic centre, will draw a new generation of families to Frenchs Forest.
“We will see a fair bit of activity once gazettal happens, there will be more townhouses and apartments and the hospital will give the area a huge burst of attention,” he said.
The government will be talking up the area too.