From early brick quarry grit and grime to a new green space, there’s been a transformation for the better at Frenchs Forest in Sydney’s north.

The change includes the opening of the Brickpit Reserve, a 1.3-hectare natural oasis, alongside plans for a new town centre and residential developments.

The reserve, named in recognition of William Hews, who established a brick-making operation in the area centuries ago, is now a dedicated recreation zone. 

“This used to be a quarry where clay was taken and made into bricks back in the 1800s,” Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said.

In addition to the reserve, a new Frenchs Forest town centre is planned for next to Northern Beaches Hospital, which will include 1000 new homes. 

Surrounding areas have also been rezoned to accommodate low to medium-density housing, with one 124-unit block recently approved. 

“This area is going to expand significantly… we’re going to see the demographic shift a lot,” Wakehurst MP Michael Regan said.

“We’ve got nurses and teachers… so affordable housing needs to be part of the mix,” he added

The existing main shopping centre is also slated for a $34 million upgrade, including a new intersection. 

“We’re removing the outdated carpark… bringing in a beautiful outdoor dining precinct and adding hundreds of parking spaces,” Anthony El-Hazouri from Revelop said.