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Pickleball Facility Proposed at Former Roche Site in Cromer

Plans have been lodged to convert a warehouse at the former Roche Pharmaceuticals site in Cromer into a $920,700 indoor pickleball and wellness facility.

Proposal Seeks to Transform Cromer Warehouse

A development application (DA2025/0961) has been submitted to repurpose part of the historic Roche site in Cromer into a new indoor pickleball facility. The project is proposed by Discover Sports Group and aims to deliver 12 pickleball courts, a wellness centre, and supporting amenities within a vacant warehouse on Inman Road.

pickleball arena — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Historic Industrial Complex to House Recreation Facility

The proposed site is part of the Northern Beaches Business Park, which occupies the former Roche Pharmaceuticals complex. The facility manufactured medications from the early 1960s until operations ceased in 2007. The area currently accommodates various recreational businesses including a trampoline centre, indoor golf, and a swim school.

Plans Detail Courts, Treatment Centre, and Amenities

Planning documents outline that the arena would include 12 pickleball courts, a mezzanine café, a pro shop, and an ancillary wellness and recreation centre. The wellness facilities are expected to include features such as cold plunge pools, saunas, and a hyperbaric chamber.

The application estimates the total cost of works at $920,700. Proposed operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the pickleball facility and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the wellness centre.

Cromer pickleball arena — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Pickleball Growth on the Northern Beaches

Demand for pickleball has increased significantly in the Northern Beaches region, with approximately 100 new players registering each month. The Northern Beaches Pickleball Association is currently the largest in Australia, reporting around 1,600 members.

Other recent developments include new courts at Winnererremy Bay Park and a rooftop facility under construction at Pittwater RSL in Mona Vale. The sport, often described as a combination of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, is played at several sites across the area and continues to gain traction nationwide.

Community Response Mixed

The proposed development has attracted public attention online. Some comments expressed enthusiasm for the increased access to courts, while others raised concerns about competing use of space, priorities for community facilities, and the sport’s longevity.

Application Now on Public Exhibition

The application, lodged on 21 July 2025 under DA2025/0961, is scheduled for public exhibition from 4 August to 18 August 2025. Council officer Charlotte Asbridge is overseeing the assessment process.

Published 28-July-2025

Wakehurst Parkway Drivers Report Chilling Ghost Sightings In Oxford Falls Stretch

Photo Credit: Narrabeen Reunions and the Northern Beaches/Facebook

A stretch of Wakehurst Parkway has locals rattled after years of eerie reports involving a mysterious woman said to appear inside cars, causing drivers to panic. Known for its winding road through bushland in Oxford Falls on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the parkway has become one of the most talked-about roads in New South Wales for paranormal encounters.

Chilling Encounters Behind The Wheel

For decades, drivers on Wakehurst Parkway have shared eerie encounters near Oxford Falls, where a ghostly figure that has come to be known as “Kelly” is said to appear without warning. She’s often spotted on the roadside or suddenly in the back seat, vanishing moments later.

*Photo Credit: Haunted Wakehurst Parkway/Matt DBF Youtube*

Some motorists report headlights flickering, mirrors catching fleeting movement, or an icy chill filling the car. One woman said she was warned never to drive the road alone and once heard someone breathing behind her, despite being completely alone. Similar stories have been told by taxi and rideshare drivers, keeping the legend alive.

Real Crimes Deepen The Road’s Dark History

Adding weight to the superstitions are several tragic events along the Wakehurst Parkway. In 1995, the body of 21-year-old Frances Tizzone was found near the road. She had been strangled, and her ex-boyfriend was later convicted. In another case, Stephen Dempsey was killed in nearby Deep Creek Reserve in 1994, his remains hidden in a freezer before being dumped.

These events, while confirmed by police investigations, have added to the belief that the area holds a dark energy. Some locals feel the haunting is tied to these tragedies, while others believe it’s rooted in even older history connected to the nearby former quarantine stations.

Paranormal Groups And Filmmakers Investigate

Wakehurst Parkway’s haunted reputation has drawn interest from both filmmakers and paranormal researchers. Local filmmaker Bianca Biasi has explored the legend through several projects, highlighting repeated sightings of a woman in a nurse’s uniform or wedding dress.

Some believe she may be linked to former nurses from the Manly Quarantine Station. Ghost-hunting teams have investigated the Oxford Falls area using EMF meters and audio gear, reporting eerie voices and thrown objects. Still, no official evidence has confirmed anything supernatural.

A Community Caught Between Fear And Folklore

While many locals chalk the sightings up to coincidence or imagination, there’s no denying the unease that Wakehurst Parkway stirs. Drivers regularly share warnings online and within the community, especially for those unfamiliar with the area. Many say they choose alternate routes at night, especially alone.

The stories have also sparked discussions on road safety. The Parkway’s narrow lanes, poor lighting, and blind curves have been blamed for many accidents. Whether the cause is something paranormal or simply poor road design, it’s clear the stretch through Oxford Falls remains a source of concern and curiosity for the community.

Published 11-June-2025

Two-Year Sentence for Cromer Club Car Park Arson

A Cromer truck fire tied to a suspected insurance scam has landed a 21-year-old man in jail, nearly two years after he set the vehicle alight in April 2023. Bailey James Chapman was sentenced in April 2025 to two years in prison for the crime committed outside a local club.

What Happened in the Cromer Car Park

The fire took place late in the evening on Sunday, 2 April 2023. Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to a truck ablaze in the outdoor car park of the club on Fisher Road North. Despite their efforts, the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter was completely destroyed.

*Photo Credit: Dee Why Bowling Club/Facebook*

The truck was registered to a local business offering rubbish removal services. Security footage from the area showed Chapman arriving at the club with a woman earlier in the day. Investigators later learned he had returned that night and poured fuel over the vehicle before setting it on fire.

The Investigation Uncovered a Fraud Scheme

Detectives from Northern Beaches Police tracked evidence linking Bailey Chapman and a 38-year-old woman, married to the truck’s co-owner, to the fire. Chapman had borrowed a friend’s bank card under the pretext of buying vapes.

He instead used it to purchase fuel, which he took to the club car park. Police allege the woman and her husband later filed a $50,000 insurance claim. Investigators believe Chapman torched the truck to assist the couple in securing the payout.

Chapman Sentenced After Admitting to the Crime

Chapman was arrested in October 2024 and later pleaded guilty to intentionally destroying property by fire. He was sentenced at Manly Local Court on 23 April 2025 to two years in prison, with a six-month non-parole period.

Based on time already served, he could be released as early as 4 August 2025. The 38-year-old woman accused of involvement is still before the courts.

Community Safety and Concerns

Although no one was hurt in the Cromer fire, the incident raised concerns about public safety and the misuse of shared community spaces. The club, popular with both Dee Why and Cromer locals, regularly hosts sporting and social events.

Residents and patrons were reportedly shaken by the late-night blaze. Authorities say quick action by fire crews prevented further damage and continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity around local businesses.

Published 5-June-2025

Police Warn After Cromer Man Loses $1,600 to Email Scam

A recent email scam targeting an elderly resident of Cromer has prompted police to call for greater community awareness to help protect vulnerable members of society, particularly seniors.

Read: Driver Collapses in Cromer, Smashes Through Homes and Power Pole

Last April, an elderly man from Cromer received an email that appeared to come from PayPal. The message claimed to be investigating a fraudulent transaction and directed him to follow steps to close his account. Believing the email was genuine, the man followed the instructions and unknowingly provided scammers with his personal and financial information.

Soon after, over $1,600 in unauthorised transactions were made in Indonesia using his details. Both the man’s bank and local authorities are investigating, but the international nature of the fraud is expected to make recovering the money difficult.

email scam — Photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The incident has raised concerns across the Northern Beaches, especially in the Cromer community. Police are encouraging residents to talk with older family members, neighbours, and friends about the risks of online and phone scams.

Seniors are often targeted by scammers who use familiar branding and urgent language to create a sense of panic or trust. Without awareness of these tactics, victims may act quickly and lose money before realising the threat.

Another scam reported the same week involved a woman in nearby Beacon Hill, who was deceived by someone posing as a federal police officer. She was persuaded to withdraw and post $6,000 in cash to an address in South West Sydney. Like the Cromer case, the chances of recovering the funds are low.

Authorities continue to investigate both incidents and are pursuing strong leads. In the meantime, the community is being urged to remain cautious and report suspicious messages or calls.

Read: Cromer House Prices Surge to $1.9 Million

Tips to Stay Safe from Email Scams

Be cautious with emails or texts that request personal or financial information.
Do not click on suspicious links or follow instructions from unknown senders.
Contact companies directly using official websites or phone numbers to verify communications.
Encourage open conversations about scams, especially with older relatives and friends.
Report scams to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at www.cyber.gov.au or contact local police.

For Cromer residents, the case is a timely reminder of the need for community support and shared vigilance in protecting those most at risk.

Published 30-May-2025

Driver Collapses in Cromer, Smashes Through Homes and Power Pole

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram

A sudden medical episode sent a Cromer driver careening into homes and street fixtures, startling schoolchildren and damaging properties.

SUV Smashes Through Cromer Street, Startles School Community

A white BMW SUV tore through a quiet Cromer street, crashing into multiple properties and frightening schoolchildren after the driver suffered a medical episode near Cromer Public School.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram*

On Friday, 11 April, a 22-year-old driver lost control of his SUV on Cromer’s Carcoola Road, slamming into a parked Toyota Estima before veering across the street, wiping out pedestrian signs and mounting the kerb.

Chaos Near School Grounds

The SUV ploughed through two brick fences, snapped a power pole, damaged a water meter, and tore off its front passenger door before coming to a stop.

Children at the school saw the crash unfold, with some running to the fence before bystanders pulled them back. Locals found the driver dazed and helped until emergency crews arrived.

Emergency Response and Recovery

The driver was treated on scene and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital, while fire crews worked with Ausgrid to secure the broken power pole and clean up the wreckage.

Police officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command shut down Carcoola Road temporarily while investigators examined the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Safety Concerns

Cromer locals are raising concerns about traffic safety near the school, with Friday’s crash sparking calls for better protections on Carcoola Road.

As of now, no charges have been laid, and police have not confirmed whether the medical episode was a pre-existing condition or a sudden event. Investigations are ongoing.

Published 16-April-2025

Cromer Residents Furious as Grover Avenue Plan Causes Traffic Headaches

Cromer residents expected safer roads, but instead, they got a traffic nightmare. Following a minor adjustment, a once-smooth intersection at Grover Avenue has been narrowed to a single lane, forcing cars to queue up and sparking outrage in the community.

A Plan Gone Wrong

The roadworks, aimed at enhancing traffic safety with two roundabouts at Fisher Road and Middleton Road, were initially well received. As part of the project, the community was consulted on additional improvements, including upgrades to an existing pedestrian crossing and minor intersection changes. However, when construction began at Grover Avenue, residents were blindsided by the modifications that had never been discussed.

Previously, the street allowed one inbound lane and two informal outbound lanes, ensuring smooth traffic flow. Council’s consultation suggested a potential change to consolidate outbound lanes for pedestrian safety.

However, the final design unexpectedly restricted the entry point to Grover Avenue to a single lane, creating a bottleneck. Locals say this has made access dangerous, particularly for families attending sports events at St Matthews Farm Reserve, which sees up to 400 vehicle movements per hour during peak times.

Community Backlash and Safety Concerns

Outraged residents confronted representatives at a community meeting on 25 February, questioning why the project had deviated from the consulted plans.

Several locals raised safety concerns, arguing that the changes had made the road more dangerous, not safer. One long-time Cromer resident reported a near head-on collision due to the sudden narrowing of the road. During the community meeting, multiple incidents of cars struggling to navigate the restricted entry were observed.

Narrabeen Ward’s Cr Ruth Robins and Cr Vincent De Luca OAM acknowledged the community’s frustration, with Cr De Luca criticising the repeated failures in delivering infrastructure projects as promised. He pointed to similar issues in Manly, Curl Curl, and Freshwater, where decisions had sparked backlash.

The Director of Transport and Assets, Campbell Pfeiffer, admitted that Council had failed to inform residents of the last-minute changes. He stated that a subsequent road risk assessment led to the decision to narrow the entrance, but staff had neglected to consult the public before implementing it. Mr Pfeiffer apologised for the oversight and assured residents that their concerns were being taken seriously.

Next Steps

Work on Grover Avenue has been paused and three alternative design options have been released for public consultation.

OPTION A

Option A – Adjust Kerb Alignment Slightly

The kerb alignment on the northern side of Grover Avenue could be shifted 0.5m north, which would widen the road at the entrance.
However, this change would not provide enough space for a left-turning vehicle to wait while another vehicle passes.
A timed “No Right Turn” restriction (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) is proposed.
This restriction would force vehicles heading south on Fisher Road North during weekend sporting events to turn left out of Grover Avenue and use the roundabout to make a U-turn.

OPTION B

Option B – Moving the Crossing

The pedestrian crossing on Fisher Road North would be relocated away from the petrol station to the southern side of Grover Avenue.
This would allow the northern kerb in Grover Avenue to revert to its original location.
To maintain walking and cycling connectivity, an additional pedestrian crossing would be installed in Grover Avenue.
Bus stops would need to be relocated slightly south.
Updated on 3 March: The plan now includes a “no stopping” line on Grover Avenue, which was not originally indicated.

OPTION C

Option C – No Right Turn (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday)

A timed “No Right Turn” restriction (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) would be implemented.
Vehicles wanting to head south on Fisher Road North during weekend sporting events would be forced to turn left out of Grover Avenue.
These vehicles would use the roundabout to make a U-turn instead of turning right directly.

The consultation period for these options is open until 14 March 2025, and the Council promises to review feedback before proceeding with any further changes.

Published 7-March-2024

Cromer Running Track Shutdown Enters Second Year, Frustrating Athletes

The synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Cromer has been closed for over a year, leaving athletes, schools, and sports clubs without a vital facility. What was once a thriving hub for Northern Beaches runners and field athletes is now an abandoned site, with no clear timeline for its reopening.

The track was shut down in December 2023 due to significant damage, where the surface began bubbling and detaching—issues believed to be caused by drainage failures and flooding.

Although an insurance settlement has been reached, the funding only covers basic repairs, leaving a multi-million-dollar shortfall for long-term upgrades. New South Wales has yet to confirm when or how the track will be fixed, adding frustration for local athletes and sports administrators.

Sydney Academy of Sport in Cromer — *Photo Credit: NSW Office of Sport*

Community Impact and Membership Decline

The closure has had a direct impact on Manly Warringah Little Athletics, with membership numbers dropping from 900 to 750 over the past two seasons. Organisers fear another decline next season, as many families expected the track to be repaired by now.

The alternative grass track at the academy has proven unreliable, suffering from overuse and poor weather conditions, forcing event cancellations and further disrupting training.

The lack of elite athletics facilities in northern Sydney means many athletes are now forced to travel over an hour each way to venues such as Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park. The strain is particularly felt by junior athletes, wheelchair athletes, and school groups, who relied on the Cromer track for accessible training and competitions.

Sydney Academy of Sport — *Photo Credit: NSW Office of Sport*

Athletics NSW Calls for Infrastructure Investment

Athletics NSW CEO Christian Renford has highlighted the broader issue of inadequate athletics infrastructure across NSW. He noted that the site was the only synthetic track north of Sydney Harbour, and its loss has left a major gap in facilities. The next available track for Northern Beaches athletes is in Gosford—a 180 km round trip.

Athletics NSW is currently conducting a statewide facility review to assess the critical shortage of athletics venues. The organisation warns that without urgent investment, NSW will struggle to support grassroots participation and athlete development, potentially weakening Australia’s performance at future international competitions.

Push for Action

Local MPs Michael Regan (Wakehurst), Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), and Dr Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) are advocating for urgent funding from both state and federal governments. Dr Scamps has taken the matter to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, while Mr Regan and Ms Scruby have approached the NSW Premier and Minister for Sport to prioritise the project in the 2025/26 NSW Budget.

The MPs argue that the track is more than just a sporting facility—it is an essential community space that benefits schools, disabled athletes, and recreational runners. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, they stress the importance of ensuring high-quality athletics facilities are available for future generations of Australian athletes.

Despite promises of action, there is still no confirmed start date for repairs. The track requires warm conditions for resurfacing, meaning work can likely only be completed during the summer months. However, with funding gaps and bureaucratic delays, there are concerns that the project could stretch beyond 2025, leaving athletes without a proper training venue for a third consecutive season.

Published 7-March-2025

Cromer Crossroads: Safety and Flow Drive Proposed Upgrades

Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil

A plan has been announced to enhance safety and traffic flow at a key intersection in Cromer. The plan focuses on South Creek Road, Fisher Road North, and Middleton Road and aims to benefit all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Recognising the area’s high traffic volume from various modes of transport, the project prioritises safety and connectivity for all users. The planned upgrades aim to improve vehicle flow, alleviate congestion, reduce traffic speed, support freight movement in the Cromer industrial zone, and improve access to public transport.

Key to the plan is the construction of two new roundabouts and the conversion of an existing zebra crossing into a raised pedestrian crossing. The roundabouts, designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, will incorporate pedestrian refuges to enhance crossing safety.

Proposed Works

New roundabout at South Creek Road and Middleton Road with pedestrian refuges
New roundabout at Fisher Road North and South Creek Road with a pedestrian refuge
Replacement of the existing zebra crossing on Fisher Road North with a raised pedestrian crossing

The Northern Beaches Council emphasises that an internal traffic modelling study has been undertaken and supports the concept plan. This study analysed traffic and pedestrian counts, road geometry, and the impact on speed and traffic delays.

Community input on the proposed changes are now being sought. Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views and help shape the future of this vital Cromer intersection.

Published Date 30-August-2024

Bones at Cromer Construction Site Confirmed Non-Human

Police have confirmed that bones unearthed at a construction site in Cromer are non-human after workers discovered the bones under a concrete slab near the entrance of a workshop in the Northern Beaches hub.

Initial concerns prompted forensic experts to assess whether the remains were human. The bones, now identified as animal remains, were found during renovations at a motor vehicle repair business.

Northern Beaches Police were alerted and attended the scene at a commercial premises on South Creek Rd at around 10:45 a.m. on 19 June 2024. On Wednesday night, police secured the area opposite St Matthews Farm Reserve and skate park as forensic teams worked to clarify the nature of the bones.

Police issued a statement confirming that the remains were not human, and no further investigation would be necessary.

The automotive repair shop where the discovery was made resumed its normal business operations, with customers returning as early as 7:00 a.m.

Published 25-June-2024

Defy Gravity at Bounce Cromer: A New Adventure Hub Opens in Town

A new adventure hub has recently opened its doors in Cromer, promising to take thrill-seekers on an unforgettable journey. Bounce Cromer, the latest addition to the Bounce family, is a 2,300 square metre facility that was built in a former industrial park.

Read: Precision Golf to Build Largest Indoor Trackman Facility in Cromer

The centrepiece of this adrenaline-fueled venue is the “Free-jump arena,” a sprawling space that features 50 interconnected trampolines, tumble tracks, and banked walls.

Photo credit: BOUNCEinc Cromer/Google Maps

Sports enthusiasts can also indulge in a game of dodgeball or shoot hoops on the full-height basketball rings. But the real draw is the giant soft landing area, where visitors can unleash their inner daredevil and experience the thrill of massive airborne stunts, all whilst practising their aerial moves in safety.

For those seeking an extra challenge, the X-park is the place to be. This obstacle-filled circuit offers various levels of difficulty, allowing for personal progression and creative expression. Adventurers can test their balance and flexibility on the “high ropes,” navigating a series of twists and turns whilst suspended in the air.

Younger visitors haven’t been left out either. The miniBOUNCE Zone is an interactive play area designed exclusively for walking-age children up to 5 years old, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the Bounce experience.

One of the must-try attractions at Bounce Cromer is “The Wall,” where high-performance trampolines are paired with walls of various heights, allowing for freestyle trick experimentation.

Bounce Cromer’s opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s Sydney venue at Homebush in 2023.

Impressed by the overwhelming response, the owners decided to expand to Cromer, drawn to the suburb’s “vibrant energy and passion for adventure.”

Conveniently located near public transportation and boasting an onsite cafe, Bounce Cromer is poised to become a new hub for thrill-seekers and family fun. The venue is open from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Read: Cromer Park Now Has a World-Class Football Field

For more information, including pricing and booking details, visit Bounce’s website and plan your high-flying adventure today.

Published 10-April-2024