The Pathways Cremorne Seniors Housing Project, located at 50-88 Parraween Street and 59-67 Gerard Street, Cremorne, is undergoing a second public exhibition. This follows major changes to its design. Developed by Skermanic Pty Ltd, the proposal seeks to create modern housing for seniors while addressing concerns raised by the community. The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) is now overseeing the project to ensure a fair and transparent review process.
What Is Being Proposed?
Pathways Cremorne aims to deliver a high-quality precinct for seniors. The development includes independent living units (ILUs), a residential care facility (RCF), and accessible public spaces.
The original design proposed an 8-storey ILU building on Gerard Street, with 31 apartments, alongside two 4-storey ILU buildings on Parraween Street, offering an additional 27 apartments. The RCF, planned as a 4/5-storey building, included 41 aged care rooms and shared facilities.
To build on the site, the initial plan required the demolition of six Federation-era cottages on Parraween Street. It also featured a new public park, a pedestrian through-site link connecting Parraween and Gerard Streets, and a two-level basement with 134 parking spaces.
Artist impressions by CHROFI and MDP Architects
Why Is It Back on Public Exhibition?
During the first exhibition in August–September 2023, the proposal faced strong opposition. Of the 134 submissions received, 123 raised objections.
Heritage impacts: Residents opposed the demolition of six cottages, which were subsequently listed as heritage items under the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2013.
Building heights: The Gerard Street building exceeded local planning controls by 16 metres, raising concerns about overshadowing and its impact on neighborhood character.
Traffic congestion and safety: Increased traffic from construction and driveway access on Parraween Street posed safety risks.
Local character and bulk: Many felt the development clashed with Cremorne’s village atmosphere.
After reviewing these objections, the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure (DPHI) instructed the developer to revise the plans. The developer submitted an Amendment Report in August 2024, which outlined the changes. Due to the extent of the revisions, the IPC assumed oversight and initiated a second public exhibition.
Key Amendments to the Proposal
The revised plans address the primary concerns raised by the community while maintaining the project’s core objectives.
Heritage Preservation: The developer will retain and adapt the six cottages on Parraween Street. The façades and streetscape appearance will remain intact. The interiors will be repurposed for uses such as lounge areas and offices.
Building Height Adjustments: The Gerard Street ILU building has been reduced to 7 storeys, aligning better with neighboring structures. Rooftop communal spaces have also been removed to reduce bulk and overshadowing.
Improved Public Access: The through-site pedestrian link now includes ramps instead of stairs, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges.
Landscaping Enhancements: A public park, accessible 24/7, will connect Parraween and Gerard Streets. This addition improves local amenities and aligns with community expectations.
Traffic and Parking Changes: The number of parking spaces for ILUs has been reduced from 81 to 77. Circulation and pedestrian safety in the basement have also been improved.
The Planning Journey
The Pathways Cremorne project has gone through an extensive process of consultation and revision. Major milestones include:
October 2022: The Department of Planning issued Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs).
August 2023: The developer lodged the original SSD application, and it entered its first exhibition phase.
September 2023: The DPHI received 134 submissions, which highlighted key issues such as height, heritage, traffic, and character impacts.
May 2024: The six cottages on Parraween Street were officially listed as heritage items. This designation required significant changes to the project design.
August 2024: The developer submitted the Amendment Report, which addressed many of the issues raised in the first round of consultation.
January 2025: The IPC assumed oversight of the project due to its complexity and the high level of public interest.
February 2025: The revised plans entered a second public exhibition phase, allowing the community to provide further feedback.
DPHI’s Recommendation
The DPHI has recommended approval of the amended project, subject to strict conditions. The department commended the significant changes made by the developer to align with planning objectives, including the Greater Sydney Region Plan and Housing 2041 Strategy.
The DPHI praised the retention of the heritage-listed cottages, reductions in building heights, and improvements to public spaces. However, the department outlined several conditions, including:
- Appointing a heritage architect to oversee conservation works.
- Implementing a detailed construction traffic management plan.
- Guaranteeing public access to the new green spaces and through-site pedestrian link.
The DPHI concluded that the project would meet Sydney’s growing need for seniors’ housing while minimizing negative impacts on the community.
What’s Next?
The IPC has scheduled a public meeting for 5 March 2025. Community members and stakeholders must register by 25 February 2025 to participate. Following the consultation, the IPC will consider all submissions and expert reports before issuing its final determination.
This phase ensures that the project balances public concerns with the growing demand for seniors’ housing in Sydney.
The Project Team
- Developer: Skermanic Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner (SEE Author): Gyde Consulting
- Architects: CHROFI and MDP Architects
- Heritage Consultant: Architectural Projects
- Traffic Engineer: McLaren Traffic Engineering
- Landscape Designer: Svalbe & Co and Brendan Moar
- Sustainability Consultant: Aspire Sustainability Consulting
For more details, search the application number SSD-49472213 on the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s website.
