Frequently Asked SISV Questions

ST Ives Village Q&A

In April 2025, Iris Capital contracted to acquire St Ives Shopping Village (SISV) from E K Nominees Pty Ltd.

The acquisition includes St Ives Shopping Village as well as 12 properties along Mona Vale Road owned by E K Nominees.

Iris Capital is a fully integrated development and hospitality group, driven by a passion for creating places people love. Since its inception in 1995, Iris has established a portfolio of renowned and award-winning hospitality venues.

For more on Iris Capital visit: www.iriscapital.com.au

Built in 1960, St Ives Shopping Village is one of Australia’s best-performing shopping centres. However, in its current state, it cannot accommodate the entertainment, leisure, sport, hospitality and education uses the local community needs from its most important and convenient community hub.  

The Centre is in need of a significant expansion and upgrade to serve the needs of the community today and tomorrow, and to compete with surrounding regional retail centres.

In 2020, Ku-ring-gai Retail and Commercial Centre Strategy indicated that issues such as undersupply of floor space, lack of recreational facilities, lack of large format retail and aging retail facilities were all contributing to an escaped expenditure from the Ku-ring-gai LGA to neighbouring centres including Macquarie, Hornsby and Chatswood.

Each year, interested retailers in entertainment, sport, education, leisure and hospitality are turned away from St Ives Shopping Village due to a lack of retail space. As well as a better community experience, Iris Capital’s vision to expand and upgrade the Centre will support the retailers, the community, local jobs and the local economy.

Iris Capital is proposing an expansion and renewal of St Ives Shopping Village in line with Council’s existing Development Control Plans.

The vision is to create a world-class retail experience to meet the growing and diverse needs of the Ku-ring-gai local community.

Iris will create a human-centred market and cultural experience with a broad range of quality shops and services to meet the needs of the local community. A place where people can work, shop, meet and spend leisure time.

The expansion and upgrade of St Ives Shopping Village will:

  • Enhance the retail, entertainment, dining, education, professional services and medical services on offer.
  • Create a better environment for new and existing retailers to succeed.
  • Create distinct precincts within and surrounding the Centre that provide a greater range of retail and commercial services, facilities and experiences to the community of St Ives.
  • Create a more connected, outward-facing destination.
  • Re-orientate the Centre to capitalise on its northern aspect, access to sunlight and views to the Village Green.
  • Introduce new restaurants, cafes and outdoor dining to contribute to increased activity and passive enjoyment of the Village Green.
  • Contribute to and support a better and more activated entertainment and night-time economy within the Ku-ring-gai Council LGA.
  • Deliver a new activated pedestrian laneway through the entire Centre, fulfilling Council’s vision for a seamless connection between Mona Vale Road and the Village Green.
  • Create a new entry adjacent to Mona Vale Road that is more protected, welcoming and accessible, and which seamlessly connects to the proposed link between Mona Vale Road and Village Green to the north.
  • Offer more parking, more convenient public transport integration and weather protection for pedestrians along Mona Vale Road.

To deliver its vision, Iris Capital seeks to amalgamate land holdings including St Ives Shopping Village and the retail sites along Mona Vale Road, in addition to acquiring select lanes from Council, which Council has already earmarked to be sold to St Ives Shopping Centre.

The process for these lanes to be sold was initiated in 2013 by Council and with gazettal in 2019 the sale can now proceed.

The expansion proposal is contingent on the acquisition of Council-owned local lanes at Denley Lane, Durham Avenue, land at 176 Mona Vale Road, and a laneway to Denley Avenue. 

From a process perspective, following the Road Closure Application as per the Roads Act 1993, a divestment application is then required and finally the Development Application for the Centre expansion across the entire site will be lodged and go through the assessment process.

Nothing will change with the lanes until such time as the Development Application is approved and work is about to commence.

Why is it necessary to acquire Council land?

So we can have access to more land for the Centre expansion.

Iris Capital has contracted to purchase the St Ives Shopping Village as well as 12 retail sites along Mona Vale Road.  These land holdings are split by various Council-owned local lanes.  

Iris Capital’s proposal is contingent on acquiring this land so it can take a holistic approach to the expansion and traffic management planning.

The land in question comprises Denley Lane, Cowan Lane, Durham Avenue, land at 176 Mona Vale Road, and a laneway to Denley Avenue. 

The sale of the land by Council to facilitate an expansion of St Ives Shopping Village has been part of Council’s long-term plan since 2013, when it initiated the reclassification of its land from Community to Operational.  With gazettal in 2019 the sale can now proceed.

This aligns with Council’s earlier vision for the area, set out in the Town Centres Public Domain Plan, 2010; the Ku-ring-gai Contributions Plan, 2010; the Ku-ring-gai Local Environmental Plan (Local Centres) 2012, and the Local Centres DCP.

What steps have been taken already on this road sale?

Council initiated reclassification of the public land around St Ives Shopping Village in 2013 and this was gazetted in 2019. 

At a Council meeting in November 2024, it was resolved that a public exhibition should proceed as an initial step for the sale of the land in accordance with the Roads Act 1993.

What happens after the exhibition?

Iris Capital and Council will collate the feedback from the Road Closure Application exhibition and Iris Capital will address that feedback in a subsequent submission. 

A divestment application is then required and finally the Development Application for the Centre expansion across the entire site will be lodged and assessed.

Nothing will change with the lanes until such time as the Development Application is approved and work is about to commence.

If Council agrees to sell the land what happens next?

Iris Capital will proceed with design and planning for the expansion of the Shopping Centre, amalgamating the land from the road with the retail sites along Mona Vale Road. The ability to amalgamate the site enables the creation of the most cohesive experience for shoppers and visitors, including convenient new links to the Village Green and better public transport integration.

How will the sale value be calculated and who agrees to the price?

Council will outsource the process to an independent valuer who will conduct the exhibition process and other prerequisite processes on Council’s behalf. 

When will the lanes be closed?

There will be no impact on the lanes until a Development Application for the entire site is submitted, consulted upon and approved.

How will this road closure impact businesses, parking and the community?

There will be no impact on the lanes until a Development Application for the entire site is submitted, consulted upon and approved.

As part of the Development Application, a traffic management plan will be implemented to provide safe access to the centre during construction.

The road is currently used by some business for loading purposes and stock deliveries. Iris Capital will work with impacted retailers to implement alternate arrangements.

How will traffic be impacted if the road closure is approved? 

There will be no impact on the lanes until a Development Application for the entire site is submitted, consulted upon and approved.

Any Development Application would incorporate a detailed traffic management plan with careful consideration of user requirements.  As part of the Development Application, this would be subject to community consultation.

What is the current status of planning for the proposed expansion?

The Iris Capital proposal is contingent on the acquisition of Council-owned local roads at Denley Lane, Cowan Lane, and Durham Avenue, land at 176 Mona Vale Road St Ives, and a lane to Denley Avenue.

Concurrently, Iris Capital has developed a draft Concept for the proposed amalgamated site, however this cannot be finalised until the road closure and land acquisition is resolved.

No works will take place until the Development Application for the complete expansion for St Ives Shopping Village has been lodged, exhibited and approved. 

After the exhibition of the Road Closure Application, the next steps will be:

  • Iris Capital collates and responds to Council on exhibition submissions;
  • Council assesses Road Closure Application;
  • Council approves Road Closure Application;
  • Council obtains land valuations through independent valuer;
  • The Application must then be assessed in accordance with Council’s Acquisition and Divestment Land Policy;
  • A final decision to divest public land requires a formal and separate resolution of Council, which will be the subject of a subsequent report;
  • Council will vote on the land divestment;
  • Land settlement;
  • Further community consultation to be incorporated into Development Application for expanded site;
  • Integration of community feedback into the final proposal;
  • Lodgement of Development Application, exhibition, assessment, approval; and
  • Construction commencement.

What will the expanded Centre look like?

Iris Capital has worked with some of Australia’s best known architectural practices and urban designers and won numerous prestigious architectural and development awards.

At St Ives Shopping Village, Iris Capital has engaged Buchan Group for the design of the expansion project.

Buchan is an acclaimed global architecture, interior, masterplanning and brand-experience studio with distinction in retail, commercial, mixed-use, residential, hotels and hospitality.

A concept has been developed which provides the community with a visual of the aspiration. 

The proposed expansion is within Council’s existing planning controls for height and floor space ratio.

If it’s approved, will the Centre stay open during the expansion works?

Iris Capital will seek to structure staging of the project so that the existing centre generally remains open and trading throughout. The objective is to minimise disruption to existing retailers and the community, while prioritising safety. Additionally, a traffic management plan will be developed to manage traffic flow during construction.

Will large and small retailers benefit equally from any future expansion of St Ives Shopping Village?

Part of the rationale for the expansion is to increase foot traffic and visitation, and reclaim lost retail expenditure in the catchment in support of retailers.  The proposed expansion will enhance the Centre’s ability to meet the community’s need for an expanded retail offer, including outside of normal shopping hours.

Iris Capital will continue to collaborate closely with retailers through all stages of the proposal. Many retailers have been in the Centre for a long time, and Iris Capital values these retailers and wants them to be part of its future.

How and when will the community and local business have an opportunity to comment on this proposed expansion of St Ives Shopping Village?

There will be numerous opportunities for people to have their say, including through the exhibition process of the Road Closure Application. Community consultation will be a major focus in the creation of the Development Application, and the community’s feedback will be sought through the DA process.

What will happen to existing community facilities in/connected to SISV?

The Village provides a range of facilities to the community, including gallery space, community amenities, and general areas for activities.   

These will continue and our expansion proposal incorporates a number of additional features that benefit the centre and the community.  

The new activated pedestrian laneway is one example. This key feature of the project contributes to Council’s vision for a seamless connection between Mona Vale Road and the Village Green to the north, while offering the community a space for events and initiatives for people to make their mark in their local village.

Have Iris Capital given consideration to Night Time Economy (NTE) ?

A thriving Night Time Economy (NTE) boosts local business, creates jobs, and provides cultural and social opportunities for our community.

With Ku-ring-gai’s community expected to grow significantly over the next 15 years, demand for quality evening dining, entertainment, retail, and services will likely increase substantially.

Opportunities for NTE are being driven by:

  • Population growth: New residents need nearby restaurants, bars, retail, and entertainment—creating new commercial opportunities.
  • Consumer spending: Businesses operating later in the day have the opportunity to tap into additional consumer spend, which currently is being spent elsewhere.
  • Employment: Extended hours create jobs across hospitality, retail, and creative industries—building local workforce capacity

How is Iris Capital proposing to respond to NTE ?

Iris Capital proposes promoting Night Time Economy through:

  • Responding to Ku-ring-gai Council’s identified real need to provide more dining, entertainment and social venues to serve the growing community over the next decade (including St Ives)
  • Addressing Ku-ring-gai Council’s identified need to support local businesses with extended trading opportunities while providing diverse after-hours experiences for the projected population growth in the area
  • Responding to Ku-ring-gai Mayor’s Kay’s stated commitment that “Council needs to look at ways to make the process of setting up a restaurant, bar or venue easier for operators and removing any unnecessary regulatory barriers..”

In this regard, Iris Capital is actively giving consideration to:

  • An entertainment precinct within St Ives Shopping Village anchored by a proposed Cinema complex.
  • A new Tavern offer on Mona Vale Road
  • A superior dining offer both within St Ives Shopping Village and the proposed Tavern

How many Cinemas are Iris Capital proposing ?

Subject to market demand and relevant planning approvals, Its expected that up to 7 cinemas could be provided at St Ives Shopping Village

How many Cinema seats would that be ?

Subject to market demand and relevant planning approvals, it is expected that up to 7 cinemas could be provided with the largest cinema expected to accommodate up to circa 150 seats while the smaller boxes would be expected to accommodate between 60-90 seats.

What is proposed for the Dining Precinct ?

Subject to market demand and planning approvals, Iris Capital proposes a new north western extension to the Centre which will encompass a new dining precinct capitalising on the locations northerly aspect and proximity to the St Ives Village Green.

The Dining concept is proposed to provide both indoor and outdoor dining opportunities

How can I have my say?

Disclaimer. Whilst every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, the information herein is a guide only and Iris does not warrant the accuracy of same nor represent that the information is suitable for stakeholder intended use. Stakeholders must make their own enquiries in relation to the contents of this document which is intended to be an overview only.

Iris accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense (whether direct or indirect) by stakeholders as a result of any error, omission or misrepresentation in information.

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