Proposed Apartment Block Aligns with Brookvale Structure Plan

A proposed 68-unit apartment development has been lodged for a prominent Pittwater Road site in Brookvale, supporting long-term revitalisation plans for the suburb.



Development Proposal in Brookvale Supports Long-Term Plan

A new four-storey apartment complex featuring 68 residential units has been proposed for a vacant block at 638 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. The development forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Brookvale Structure Plan, which was endorsed by NBC in late 2023.

Brookvale
Photo Credit: DA2024/1684

Previous Approvals and Site History

The site, formerly occupied by a St Vincent de Paul shop and warehouse, previously received development approval in 2020 for a three-storey mixed-use building. That proposal included 48 units and three commercial or retail spaces on the ground floor. The site has since been cleared for redevelopment and remains vacant.

Revised Application Details

A new application has now been lodged by a Strathfield-based developer to increase the building height to four storeys and the total number of units to 68. The location, positioned near the Brookvale bus depot and on the edge of an industrial zone, is being targeted as part of a broader mixed-use development strategy.

The developer’s planning consultant noted that the site’s use for shop-top housing fits within the objectives of the Brookvale Structure Plan and represents a logical urban design outcome for the area.

Brookvale Structure Plan Overview

NBC formally endorsed the Brookvale Structure Plan on 28 November 2023. The plan outlines a 15-year development roadmap that allows for up to 1,350 new homes and aims to increase housing diversity and affordability across the suburb. At least 5 per cent of these homes are designated as affordable housing.

The plan also includes provision for up to eight-storey mixed-use buildings along Pittwater Road, with potential for 15-storey developments near Warringah Mall and the B-Line stop. Two industrial zones—east and west of Pittwater Road—will remain, though building heights can reach four storeys.

Additional features include a proposed town square with green space, new community facilities, and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The plan is supported by studies on transport, employment, and housing, as well as feedback from public consultation.

Brookvale Structure Plan
Photo Credit: DA2024/1684

Public Submissions and Next Steps



Public submissions for the development application at 638 Pittwater Road closed on 9 July. The proposal is one of the early developments intended to support the implementation of NBC’s long-term redevelopment plan for Brookvale.

Published 12-July-2025

Brookvale Named in Council’s Push to Reinstate Alcohol-Free Zones

Brookvale will return to alcohol-free zone status after ongoing reports of street drinking and antisocial behaviour led Northern Beaches Council to prioritise new restrictions. The decision follows a peninsula-wide review, with support from police, rangers, and locals ahead of its proposed start in September 2025. Community feedback is open until Sunday, 27 April, through the council’s “Your Say” website or by written submission.



Community Impact and the Brookvale Decision

Brookvale’s alcohol-free zone expired in 2023, but continued public drinking—especially near Pittwater Road and Warringah Mall bus stops prompted its return, with police data and council patrols confirming ongoing alcohol-related disturbances.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The decision means people will no longer be allowed to drink alcohol on public roads, footpaths, laneways, and carparks within the designated Brookvale zone. Police and rangers will have the authority to seize opened alcohol containers if someone is drinking or appears about to drink in a restricted area.

What the Review Covered

Brookvale was one of 19 alcohol-free zones reviewed by Northern Beaches Council in a region-wide assessment designed to streamline timelines and apply consistent rules. 

The review used police data, complaints, and community input to guide changes, some zones, like Avalon and Newport, were adjusted, while others, including Belrose and Cromer, will be removed due to fewer incidents and reduced concern.

Council confirmed the changes won’t affect licensed outdoor dining, parks or beaches, as alcohol-free zones apply only to road-related areas, aiming to keep shared public spaces safer for families and commuters.

How Residents Can Have Their Say

Northern Beaches Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed zones until Sunday, 27 April 2025, via its “Your Say” website or by written submission.

Residents are encouraged to read the full summary of assessments available online, which outlines the reasons for each zone’s status. In Brookvale’s case, the decision was shaped heavily by safety concerns and the push from authorities to prevent a repeat of past issues.

The Broader Picture

The review reflects ongoing efforts to balance safety and public access, with Brookvale highlighting the challenges of managing alcohol in busy hubs with transport, nightlife, and public facilities.



By returning the suburb to an alcohol-free status, officials hope to prevent late-night disturbances and make key parts of Brookvale more comfortable for everyone. The proposed changes reflect not only policy but also years of community input and policing efforts.

Published 17-April-2025