Church-Land Project Alters Lane Cove Housing Options

Traders In Purple is readying for a mixed-use project 10km north of the Sydney CBD, the second time it has teamed with Sydney Anglican Property to develop church land.

Under the partnership, the 1960s St Andrews Anglican Parish Centre will be transformed into a 400-seat auditorium, minister’s residence, retail space and 40 apartments.

The apartments would be predominantly three-bedrooms to cater to families and downsizers in the area.

The 3000sq m site plus the neighbouring residential block make up the development site at the corner of Finlayson Street and Rosenthal Avenue opposite The Canopy, Lane Cove.

The first partnership between the developer and diocese was opposite Five Dock Metro Station, the first of many projects in a larger plan.

Sydney Anglican Property chief executive Ross Jones said the project was an excellent example of the diocese’s Urban Renewal Program in practice.

“Under the URP, we are looking to use our existing property resources to serve the communities we are a part of, while also ensuring our local churches have the facilities they need for generations to come,” Jones said

“If approved, the plans for this site mean Lane Cove will not only have access to increased housing supply but also a publicly available, state-of-the-art auditorium right in the centre of town.”

▲ The properties are opposite The Canopy, Lane Cove’s main shopping precinct on the Lower North Shore of Sydney.

Traders In Purple acquired the neighbouring property to allow for increased project scale and expects to file a development application this year, with construction to start in 2027.

Traders In Purple director George Geagea said the site was one of the last in central Lane Cove suitable for development.

“There is a clear government intent to see more infill development in strategic locations that have the infrastructure and capacity to accommodate more housing,” Geagea said.

“The Lane Cove site ticks all the boxes for residential development. It is in a quiet, leafy street of predominantly midrise apartments, just a short walk away from Lane Cove’s main shopping precinct.”