The owners of Freshwater’s Harbord Hotel have moved a step closer to adding a new 37-room accommodation wing, despite ongoing community concerns and opposition from Northern Beaches Council.
Read: Freshwater Pub’s Hotel Plans Face Community Deluge
The proposal seeks to redevelop the pub’s car park with a three-storey building that would include hotel-style rooms, a swimming pool, a gym and 72 basement car spaces. The accommodation wing would be linked to the heritage-listed art deco hotel, which has stood near Freshwater Beach since 1928.
Council previously rejected a rezoning application that would allow hotel accommodation on the site, following more than 100 community submissions raising concerns about increased noise, traffic, privacy and the development’s impact on the area’s character.
Many residents argued the development could compromise the character of the heritage-listed art deco pub, which has been part of Freshwater since 1928. Some described the planned building as too large and out of proportion with its surroundings, while others said a hotel of this scale was inappropriate for a predominantly residential area.
Concerns were also raised about parking, with some residents suggesting local infrastructure is already under pressure. Others argued that nearby Manly already provides adequate accommodation options for visitors to the northern beaches.
The proposal was subsequently referred to the NSW Planning Department for review. The Sydney North Planning Panel has since found the plan had sufficient merit to proceed, enabling the state department to issue a Gateway Determination. A second round of public exhibition recently concluded, with the department now responsible for making the final decision on whether rezoning should be approved.
If the rezoning is granted, the Harbord Hotel will need to lodge a separate development application before construction can proceed.
Read: Harbord Beach Hotel in Freshwater Seeks Rezoning for Expansion Amid Community Opposition
Owner Glenn Piper, who purchased the venue in 2019, has argued that the northern beaches lacks hotel-style accommodation and maintains that the redevelopment would be designed to complement the pub’s heritage while offering additional facilities for visitors.
Published 21-August-2025
