Glenbrook has become a more vibrant little village in recent years with the opening of several new cafes and shops.
This trend is set to continue with a development application for three new shops and offices at 18/18A Ross Street being assessed by council.
An existing cottage and a large tulip tree that dominates the site will be retained, while Glenbrook Village Nursery - which extends onto an adjoining block under the same ownership - will remain open but be reduced in size to make way for the proposed new buildings.
The design, prepared by architect Nick Simitzis from Arcimage Architecture and Blaxland-based designer Lara Begg, places the shops (38 square metres each) and offices in three single-storey, cottage-like pavilions. Two shops, with pergolas, will face the street and an outdoor walkway arcade will link the other buildings.
An outdoor eight-space car park is proposed for the lower rear part of the block, serviced by a new shared driveway, an access ramp and a lift.
Applicant Sarah Carter said she's grown up in Glenbrook and understands the importance of preserving and enhancing its village atmosphere.
"My parents have owned these premises for more than 35 years and have always had the community in mind when making changes, like saving the old Anglican church hall on Wascoe Street my mum was christened in by relocating it (in 1987) onto their property at their expense - now it has become a lovely cafe.
"With this in mind I wanted it to be something which both fits in with the surrounding shops and brings a modern element to this end of the village."
An Arcimage Architecture spokesperson said "the design is sympathetic to surrounding buildings with weatherboard clad walls, pitched corrugated iron roofs and landscaping at the street front".
Other local firms, including Julian Saw from Dapple Designs and consulting arborist Frederick Janes from Angophora, also contributed to the plans.
Ms Carter said she hopes construction can start soon, should the application be approved.
"To date in Glenbrook there are no available commercial spaces for rent and at this very early stage we have deposits taken (to lease) two of the shops and have had further serious inquiries," Ms Carter said.
n Another development application is on public exhibition at council for a small supermarket (529 square metres), three new shops and basement level parking to the rear of 13 existing shops facing Old Bathurst Road in East Blaxland.
