Taken looking east along Burdett on 120 format Ilford Delta 3200 rated at EI 400 (400 ASA).
More pictures in new window.
With Franklins supermarket having closed on 2000 January 22, and Woolworths having closed on 2000 June 30, (perhaps a victim of the GST, in that it would possibly have traded a little longer, had not major re-pricing work been needed) only one supermarket, Coles remains open in Hornsby. This is amidst much construction chaos and with limited parking, (especially for higher vehicles such as ex-military Landrovers), road blocks, extremely poor access, dust, noise, poor flooring and a generally unpleasant environment. There are far fewer other shops open, including NO bookshops, except secondhand on the old side. (See below forwhere to buy books.) And once this is finished, they expect us to pay for parking...
Stage 1, occupying the space between K-Mart/GBs and the section that previously remained open, is now open, although during the first week or so only a limited number of shops are open. There is now access to K-Mart in the same way as to GBs above it. The existing normal checkout was open on Friday as well. The external entry/checkout of the garden section has now closed, meaning that big bags of animal poo must be trundled through the centre or the clothing sections, rather than through the semi-outdoor area directly to the car-park. The Coles is open in the new area, but has a wall across the front of it instead of the usual glass or open front - very claustrophobic. Range is reasonably broad, but perhaps not quite as large as in the NorWest Business Park store, below.
Pedestrian access is via the small stub of Albert Street (South) off Florence Street, from Florence Street west of the Chinese style building (through blocked open fire doors) or through the carpark on Burdett Street - somewhat dangerous. The main Northgate entrance directly through to the intersection of Hunter and Florence is closed. The pedestrian crossing across Burdett Street has been moved right up to the Hunter Street round-about. Current best practice is not to do this as it endangers pedestrians and impacts on traffic flow through the round-about, possibly leading to accidents when a car is force to suddenly stop within the round-about. Hunter Street in now also closed to pedestrians between Florence and Burdett Streets - use Hunter Lane between Dick Smith Electronics and the former Tandy, Murial Street or go through the centre and carpark with caution.
Vehicular access is off Burdett Street or Muriel Street. There is No Right Turn out of Albert into Burdett (meaning you would have to go into the Muriel Street entrance, or just go on to St Ives) and they are building a centre strip to prevent right turn out of Burdett Street into Albert Street (North). This means you will have to either turn right from the centre exit and use Muriel street to go north, or drive through the mess with traffic controllers, etc at the Burdett entrance.
There are now No Stopping signs on both sides of Burdett the whole length of the block. This means that it is no longer possible to drop someone off at the door of their unit block late at night, which is important for their security, considering the hotel / night club nearby, and the planned movie development. Still, the wants of big business and a corrupt council must come first... Ditto in Edgeworth-David Avenue, including outside an X-Ray / medical imaging centre - too bad if you are unable to walk from wherever you can find parking. "No Stopping" means people can not even be dropped off without facing massive fines. Access to the development must not be impeded, and money talks?
So, the palm trees are very cute, but the centre has limited utility. Perhaps things will imporove, but I doubt it will never be the "social hub of the upper north shore" as their latest piece of dead tree suggested... We will still be going to St Ives, using Bridge and Sherbrook Roads to avoid the mayhem.
Latest News! The next stages, including Woolworths and an underground link are open. Still no bookshops. Parking now costs A$2.00 per 1/2 hour after the short free period, and the award-winning Northgate carpark has been turned into a dog's breakfast to accommadate charging. Meanwhile, the latest section of Castle Towers has opened, with a new GBs - well before DJs in Hornsby, and parking remains completely free.
Warning!!! Should the whole thing catch fire, etc, be aware that the EXIT sign on the Western end of Level 2, pointing north (or right) illegally points at a LOCKED door! There is also an EXIT sign above a locked door in Harrison's Pharmacy.
Scanner stuff. Westfield security/cleaning/management is on 469.500 MHz, which is reasonably active. Grace Bros hold: 463.550 MHz and 454.050 MHz, but with 3 different licences for the pair. 475.150 MHz is licensed to a rigging company on the construction site, while Lend Lease (short-time Northgate managers) seem still to be paying for 472.300 MHz and 477.500 MHz.
Where, exactly? The old Northgate entrance from Burdett Street. 33° 42.253' S - 151° 06.050' E, using Australian Datum, 1984, and a p(Y) code GPS receiver.
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This is one of (at some times up to) 5 large cranes working in the area. This construction is on the corner of Burdett and Hunter Streets, site of the old dirt car park, where I used to park my ex-Army Landrover Series 2A Hardtop which would not fit inside (except under Woolworths). Burdett Street is now often blocked for unloading trucks and the like. So is George Street, supposedly Hornsby Councils prefered route for through traffic, considering the 50 km "side street" limit on the Pacific Highway. Taken looking east along Burdett on 120 format Ilford Delta 3200 rated at EI 400 (400 ASA). More pictures in new window. |
Alternative shopping can be found in the following locations:
Both supermarkets are located in the St Ives Shopping Village shopping centre, 166 Mona Vale Rd, with entrances from Mona Vale Road, Cowan Road and Memorial Avenue. The access roads around the centre, including (in a strange system under Kuring-gui Council) the parking on top of Level 1, are "public roads", with parking ranging from 1/2 to 4 hours. They are patrolled by parking police, and contributions to State Revenue are required for overstaying. Underground parking is private property and so not patrolled.
Franklins Fresh is located on the upper level. Specialities include Franklin's brand Brie, various ashed cheeses, Italian tomato sauces for pasta, and a Kosher section. Ph: 02 9488 7344.
Woolworths is located on the lower level. Range of prepared meals such as "Top Nosh", and a Kosher section. Try the Hellenic BBQ cheese. Ph: 02 9144 6963.
Norwegian "Ski Queen" brown cheese (YUM!!!) is available at The Dairy Shop on the upper level.
The Post Shop is on upper level. A good (can I use "good" in the same sentence as "banks"?) range of banks are in and near the centre (the "Big 4" plus St George). The Wunderlick - Soul Pattinson pharmacy on the lower level has a machine to electronically lodge Medicare forms. There are a range of hairdressers in and near the centre. The centre is carpeted throughout, and has leather armchairs in the centre court area. My Mum saves a significant amount by shopping here against Hornsby.
The centre includes a small library. Click here!
Scanner stuff. 487.500 MHz and 482.300 MHz are assigned to E K Nominees Pty Ltd at the centre's address.
Visit: http://www.stivesvillage.com.au
If you cross Mona Vale Road there is a deli with a range of South African and Kosher goods. South African tomato sauce (All Gold brand) is interesting - different to the Australian stuff. The Roses Passionfruit Cordial is great, provided you get the strength right. There is a patisserie and a fish & chip shop over that side too.
Where, exactly? In the council controlled carpark near the Library. 33° 43.857' S - 151° 09.465' E, using Australian Datum, 1984, and a p(Y) code GPS receiver.
Berowra Heights, to the north has 2 supermarkets, Hourigan's IGA (aka Hourigans Festival IGA) and Rite-Way.
The Hourigan's Festival IGA is located in the shopping centre at 19 Turner Road, Berowra Heights. It features a service deli, small bakery section, fruit & vegetables and meat department. A few interesting food items, including some very nice locally made "Melting Moments" biscuits. Accepts a wide range of cards including Visa. There is now an Armagard ATM machine which takes nearly every card. Ph: 02 9456 1588.
Rite-Way is located at Shop 1, Berowra Village Centre, also in Turner Road. Ph: 02 9456 2187.
In the 19 Turner Road centre, services include Joseph's Hot Bread, a Post Shop and a Cashcard ATM on the outside wall of the hardware store. In the Berowra Village Centre services include a newsagency and a pharmacy at which you can electronically lodge Medicare forms. It is a very short walk between the two centres.
Coles located at 339 Pacific Highway, corner of Wattle Street. A pretty standard Coles with a few long aisles.
Asquith Hardware is next door. A Post Shop is nearby in Amor Street. The Pacific Highway features a small newsagency and a number of pharmacies. There are no longer any banks in Asquith, but an Commonwealth ATM can be found outside the real estate agent on the highway, not far from Coles.
"Round Corner Dural" There are a number of shopping centre buildings in the block around Old Northern Road and Kenthurst Road, including behind the road-side shops. Parking seems to be a mix of 2-3h timed-limited council and private.
Festival IGA Supermarket is located in one of these centres. They accept various cards including Visa.
There are also a patisserie and gift, clothing, auto parts, hardware shops and a welding supplies store. The Dural Deli, near IGA has a good range is interesting foods, including Snowy Mountains organic milk.
Services in the block include banks: ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth and Westpac, plus a Post Shop.
There is a mixed retail, wholesale and light industrial complex at the intersection of Old Northern Road and New Line Road, with the entrance off the large round-about. Businesses there include famous multi-national fast food chains, a footwear retailer (signage relating to skateboarding products predominate outside this business), hardware, electrical / electronic consumer products, farm related equipment stationary, automotive repairs and a medical centre. Next door you will find Elders, (a famous Australian rural company), who sell a range of gardening and farm products, boots and tools. Elders have recently obtained a banking licence, and have fee-free accounts, term deposits, loans and card services, including B-Pay.
Thornleigh has a Franklins in the small shopping Centre on the Pacific Hwy, between Commenera Parkway and Bellevue Street (occupies the whole block). Parking enters from rear, in Wood Street. Within Franklins there is an ATM which accepts most cards. There is a Post Shop, small hardware and a lighting store in the centre. Belgian chocolate in chunks and Scottish smallgoods like gammon from the Deli in the centre would be the highlight. Otherwise, I prefer Pennant Hills.
A good Franklins with many of the friendly staff from Hornsby.
There is a Post Shop is across the car park and banks including ANZ, National and Commonwealth on Hillcrest Rd and Westpac on the corner of Fisher Avenue and Pennant Hills Rd (aka Cumberland Hwy). The library on Yarrara Road and Ramsey has a nice digital photocopier.
Rite-Way is located in Railway Avenue, corner of Coonabarra Road. They take Visa and other cards.
Nearby services include a Post Shop, Westpac Bank, a range of gourmet food outlets, pharmacy, newsagent and a small hardware store facing the council carpark.
Franklins Fresh in the small shopping centre at 1380 Pacific Hwy. "Fresh" refers to a very small selection of vegetables. The Kuring-gui Council, contribution to State Revenue required for overstaying, time-limited parking underneath is accessed from Kissing Point Road or Duff Street. Personally I'd rather go to St Ives. Ph: 02 9983 0526.
A Coles in Ray St is fairly small. Like the Franklins' I wouldn't travel there, but might stop if going past.
The Post Shop, St George bank and Westpac are in Rohini Street, across the railway line. The ANZ in on Pacific Hwy, nearer the supermarkets. Turramurra Music (musical instruments and professional audio equipment dealers) on the Highway and a party supplies company near the station are the most exciting shops in Turramurra. There is a patisserie on the front of the centre that Franklins is in, and a chocolatier down the side of the building next door, behind the photo shop.
Woolworths with usual departments, range of bakery items. Ph: 02 9498 4151.
A small Post Shop and a number of banks line the Pacific Highway.
There is a Coles on the Pacific Highway with underground parking. There are a number of banks and a Post Shop along the highway to the south. Other features are a discount stationary shop, a deli selling South African and Kosher goods, a small newsagent and a surveyors' supplies shop!
Across the railway line, in Lindfield Avenue is Jewel. The small centre includes a large fruit shop.
Jewel is located in Cox's Road. A Post Shop and a number of banks are also in the same business district. Along a little, on the corner of Blenheim Road is a pharmacy with a post office agency which is open longer hours than Post Shops.
There is also a stand-alone Woolworths on Epping Road which includes the company's own petrol station.
Finally, there is the very large Macquarie shopping centre near the University. It has a range of supermarkets including a Woolworths which has a wide range of gluten-free products.
The very large Castle Towers shopping centre features Franklins, a large Coles and a Bi-Lo. Bi-Lo sells Green and Black's fairtrade organic chocolate. There is also a medium sized David Jones, and now a small Grace Bros. Plus cinemas and eating places. Try Johnny Rocket's for '50s diner style hamburgers. They proudly proclaim "Free Parking". Westfield, take a hint... Across Old Northern Road, Castle Mall features a Franklins and the Cornerstone Christian book and music shop. Outside parking here is council controlled timed parking. The area has a full range of banks and at least one Post Shop. There are a number of bookshops.
The following locations have large Coles supermarkets with dedicated areas for gourmet foods, health foods, Asian foods, and a bakery / pastry shop with sit down eating area. The pharmacy section still only sells the normal supermarket scheduled items.
In the shopping Centre, off Norwest Drive in NorWest Business Park. Usual services, including ATMS outside the building. The newsagent has a $30 lower limit on Visa purchases, which is pretty silly.
West Gosford shops, Brisbane Water Drive, just off the Pacific Highway.
Magnolia Mall, Windsor Street. A Medicare office is located in the same centre.
In Sydney City, the best supermarket is located in the centre above Paddy's Markets. It is larger than average and sells a full range of Asian and Western groceries.
The Broadway Centre in Broadway, south of the city centre has Coles and Bi-Lo supermarkets, a range of banks and a Greater Building Society ATM. The Bi-Lo features an interesting "International Foods" section, plus the usual fruit and veg, deli and meat departments. Parking is free for useful 3 hours.
Food in Woolworths in the city is spread over two floors and you cannot take something from one floor to the other to pay for your items together, say on a card. Give it a big miss.
The alternative is to order online and have the groceries delivered.
Greengrocer.com.au sells a range of fresh produce, and juices. Visit http://www.greengrocer.com.au/.
Woolworths also offer an online service, but with significant extra charges. Visit http://www.woolworths.com.au/.
Supermarkets with websites include:
The majority of chocolate is made with cocao beans grown by slave labour, or under conditions close to slavery, using toxic chemicals which damage the workers' health and the environment. Fairtrade products are grown by workers who receive a fair price for their products. "Tradewinds" tea and coffee are another example of fairly traded products.
Green and Black's chocolate is made using organic cocoa grown by Maya farmers in Belize, who receive a proper price for their products. The trees are grown under taller shade trees, ensuring bio-diversity is preserved. From Coles and Bi-Lo, in the organics / healthfood sections. Visit: http://www.greenandblacks.com/home/
Fairly traded tea, coffee and associated products from around the world. Visit: http://fairtrade.asn.au and http://www.tradewinds.org.au
For GST free books, visit my virtual bookshop.
For Christmas, get a book on: Cars and Boats, Airline Disasters, Radio and Electronics, Lighthouses, Gardening, Football, or Cooking. Or, perhaps something from the Music Department, or a 2001 Calendar.
Other areas are Bibles and Religion, Travel, Biography, Photogrpaphy, Fiction, and the subject of this page, Business and Retail. The specialist shop has Library Tools, Books for Writers, Vehicle Manuals.
Or the new Gift shop.
For your travel needs, visit: 