A new residential apartment building is planned for 118-124 Benelong Road and 72 Gerard Street, Cremorne. The development application, lodged on 6 March 2025, proposes a multi-level residential complex with 23 dwellings. With an estimated cost of over $36 million, the project involves demolishing existing structures and constructing a modern apartment building.
Current Site and Surrounding Area
The site consists of five lots, each occupied by detached dwellings. Some of these homes have been modified over time. One building on Gerard Street contains two separate dwellings, each facing different frontages.
The site has three street frontages—Benelong Road, Gerard Street, and Gerard Lane. It is located near Military Road’s commercial area and public transport services. Because the land slopes approximately nine metres from southwest to northeast, the proposed building incorporates design elements that respond to these changes in elevation.
Vegetation on the site is limited, and some trees will be removed to allow excavation and address contaminated fill. The surrounding area includes a mix of low-rise homes, townhouses, and apartments, with some buildings reaching nine to sixteen storeys. As the area continues transitioning to higher-density housing, this proposal aligns with the broader planning strategy.
Artist Impression by Brick Architects
Development Details
The project involves demolishing all existing structures, excavating for basement parking, and constructing a multi-level apartment building with 23 dwellings. The development will offer a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, including five adaptable apartments designed for accessibility.
The basement parking area will include 37 car spaces and 26 bicycle spaces. To enhance residential amenities, the plan also features private and communal open spaces, such as a gym, lounge, and golf simulation room.
A strong focus has been placed on landscaping. The proposal increases green space from 34.8% to 45.8% and includes the planting of 33 new canopy trees along with over 800 plants. These improvements aim to enhance biodiversity while contributing to the visual appeal of the development.
Architectural and Landscape Design
The design team includes Brick Architects, with urban design by Bonus + Associates and landscaping by Space Landscape Designs. The building follows a stepped structure, which adjusts to the site’s natural slope. The materials include brick, stone, timber-look aluminium, and glass, creating a contemporary look that integrates with the surrounding streetscape.
Setbacks along Gerard Street and other boundaries align with the area’s development pattern. The landscaping plan aims to improve the streetscape while supporting environmental sustainability.
Artist Impression by Brick Architects
Planning and Compliance
The development falls within an R4 High Density Residential zone. It must comply with the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013 and State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs).
Because the site has a significant slope, some parts of the building exceed the height limit. However, the design incorporates setbacks to maintain separation from neighboring properties and reduce bulk.
The floor space ratio (FSR) is unrestricted, which allows for greater flexibility in design. The plan exceeds minimum landscaping and open space requirements, ensuring a balance between built areas and green spaces.
Privacy and overshadowing concerns have been considered. Setbacks create distance from nearby properties, and shadow diagrams confirm that surrounding buildings will continue receiving sufficient sunlight throughout the day.
Traffic, Access, and Parking
The proposal reduces the number of driveways from six to one, improving pedestrian and vehicle movement. The inclusion of a basement parking facility helps minimize reliance on street parking, while bicycle storage offers an alternative transport option for residents.
Project Team
- Developer: HELM Pty Ltd
- Architect: Brick Architects
- Urban Designer: Bonus + Associates
- Landscape Designer: Space Landscape Designs
Next Steps
The development application (10.2025.00000030.001) is currently under review by North Sydney Council. Residents and stakeholders can submit feedback during the assessment process.
For more details, search the application number on North Sydney Council’s website.
