Neutral Bay 12-Storey Shoptop Plans Up for Review

A planning proposal is on exhibition which would pave the way for a 44-unit shoptop development in the affluent Lower North Shore suburb of Neutral Bay. 

The applicant Equitibuild wants to more than double the permitted height in the area, about a 15-minute drive north of the Sydney CBD, and apply a non-residential floor space ratio to the site.

The 1294sq m site in question, at 183-185 Military Road, is an amalgamation of three sites, next door to the shoptop planned by Woolworths which was approved this year.

Builder Equitibuild’s proposal details a mixed-use development it was to build, which ranges from six to 12 storeys.

The developer wants to build 44 apartments with 5 per cent of floor space allocated to affordable housing. 

The 12-storey development will have commercial and retail uses on levels one to three. 

The proposal is taking advantage of site-specific controls on the site and at the neighbouring Woolworths site.

The plans have already received gateway approval, of which one of the conditions was to place them on public exhibition.

▲ Rendering of the Neutral Bay shoptop.

However, while the outcome looks bright for the Neutral Bay development, it faced a rocky start. 

The council originally resolved to refuse the proposal in November 2023.

The developer subsequently lodged a rezoning review with the state government, which determined to allow the planning proposal to proceed to Gateway Determination, “contrary to council’s endorsed position”.

The council reiterated its lack of support for the proposal, but it was determined that the planning proposal was consistent with strategic planning proposals and will contribute to housing targets.