A significant mixed-use development has been proposed by 8 Finlayson Street Lane Cove Pty Ltd for the site at 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove. The development application (DA152/2024), lodged with Lane Cove Council on 12 February 2025, outlines plans to transform the site into a vibrant residential, community, and worship precinct. Estimated to cost $88 million, the project will incorporate contemporary residential apartments, a shared-use community auditorium, and a modern church facility, while carefully integrating the site’s heritage features. The Sydney North Planning Panel will assess the application due to its regional significance.
Current State of the Site
The site, located on the western edge of Lane Cove Village, covers 3,763 square metres and is opposite the Canopy Shopping Centre, a popular retail and recreation hub. It is currently home to the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Hall, a heritage-listed building recognised under the Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009, as well as a separate church building and three detached homes fronting Finlayson Street. One of these homes, at 6 Finlayson Street, functions as the church rectory. The site gently slopes downward from the southern boundary to Finlayson Street, surrounded by established trees and open spaces.
Details of the Proposed Development
The proposed development will replace the existing buildings, excluding the retained heritage church hall, with a modern eight-storey mixed-use complex. It will include six levels of residential apartments, featuring 47 dwellings with a mix of two- and three-bedroom configurations, alongside a church and a 665-square-metre shared-use community auditorium. The auditorium, designed to host local performances and community events, will also serve as a space for church gatherings. A two-level basement will accommodate 145 parking spaces, with separate access points for residents and church visitors.
Landscaping will play a key role in the redevelopment, with nearly 12% of the site allocated to deep soil planting and 23% to tree canopy coverage. The design also prioritises sustainability, incorporating features such as energy-efficient systems and natural ventilation for two-thirds of the apartments.
Artist impression by Plus Architecture
Heritage Integration
A key aspect of the proposal is the preservation and integration of the heritage-listed St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Hall. The retained hall will be carefully adapted to complement the modern development while preserving its cultural and architectural significance. The design balances the historic character of the site with contemporary elements, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
Community Benefit
The development will deliver a major public benefit through the inclusion of the shared-use auditorium. Developed in partnership with Lane Cove Council, the space will enhance cultural and social opportunities for the community. The auditorium will be managed under an agreement between the church and the council to ensure it is available for both church and community use, further boosting Lane Cove’s cultural infrastructure.
Voluntary Planning Agreement
The developer has entered into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with the council, committing to the delivery of the $1.144 million community auditorium as part of the project. In return, the council has agreed to offset development contributions and consider a variation to planning controls, including an increased building height, as part of the approval process.
Project Team
- Developer: 8 Finlayson Street Lane Cove Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Planning & Co
- Architect: Plus Architecture
- Heritage Consultant: Weir Phillips
- Traffic Consultant: Ason Group
- Landscape Designer: Land and Form
- Sustainability Consultant: Jensen Hughes
- Acoustic Consultant: Acoustic Logic
- Geotechnical Consultant: Morrow Geotechnics
The $88 million redevelopment at 2-10 Finlayson Street, Lane Cove, promises to deliver much-needed housing, cultural infrastructure, and modern community facilities, while carefully respecting the heritage character of the site. It marks a significant investment in Lane Cove’s future, combining thoughtful design with community-oriented outcomes.
For more information, search application number DA152/2024 on the Lane Cove Council’s website.
