• Projects
    • Houses
    • Multi Unit
    • Commercial
    • Infrastructure
    • Public
    • Urban Design
  • Projects
  • Practice
  • Practice
    • Profile
    • Approach
    • Awards
  • News
  • Contact

Frenchs Forest Precinct

Client:
NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment

Program:
Mixed-Use Town Centre

Scale:
13 ha

Year:
2017 - 2020

Scope:
Urban Design Report and Public Domain Plan

Location:
Frenchs Forest, NSW

Design Team:
CHROFI with Architectus

Visualisation:
Virtual Ideas

Physical Models:
M A K E models

Status:
Public Exhibition


Frenchs Forest is at the cross roads of Sydney’s Northern Beaches and has the capacity to accommodate new employment and housing as a strategic centre for the region. Working with the Department of Planning & Environment and Northern Beaches Council, the challenge was how to create a high-density, sustainable centre within a low-density, suburban context fragmented by large roads.

The design focuses on enhancing the positive aspects of the place by capitalising on its elevated topography to provide outlook over the city, integrating with the new neighbouring Hospital, revitalising the forest and retaining elements of Forest High School to acknowledge the powerful historical, physical and social impact of 60yrs at this site. Frenchs Forest Town Centre is reimagined as a people centred place characterised by a strong community with healthy lifestyles and will formalise itself as the ‘Gateway’ to the Northern Beaches.

The masterplan provides the building blocks for a bourgeoning Health & Education Precinct complete with open spaces and building uses that would synergise with and benefit from the new Hospital and established community. The outcome will be a high quality public realm comprising a diversity of spaces and community facilities that satisfy their recreational needs while inviting formal and informal socialisation. These are the critical elements for an enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle, and the building of community.