Traders in Purple to target local families in Lane Cove church redevelopment
National property and construction group Traders In Purple has signed a second partnership agreement with Sydney Anglican Property to redevelop a centrally located site in Lane Cove, currently occupied by St Andrews Anglican Parish Centre.
The 1960s built church is proposed to make way for new and expanded ministry spaces, a publicly available 400-seat auditorium, a minister’s residence, retail space and up to 40 apartments, the majority of which will be three bedrooms to cater for local families and larger households.
Located on the corner of Finlayson Street and Rosenthal Avenue, opposite the popular retail and dining hub The Canopy, repurposing of the 3,000 sqm site plus an adjacent residential block, presents an opportunity to meet the urgent need for more well-located residences while providing the Diocese with contemporary space to fulfil its community purpose.
Traders In Purple Director George Geagea said the site was one of the last in central Lane Cove suitable for development and likely to also be in high demand amongst downsizers seeking to move from the family home to a quality designed and built low maintenance apartment.
“This is our second partnership with Sydney Anglican Property and confirmation of their trust in our capability and compatibility,” Geagea said.
“We look forward to working together to realise the Diocese’s vision for their Lane Cove community and delivering exceptional homes in a location where there are few opportunities for residential development and housing supply.
“There is a clear Government intent to see more in-fill development in strategic locations that have the infrastructure and capacity to accommodate more housing.
“The Lane Cove site ticks all the boxes for residential development. It is in a quiet, leafy street of predominantly mid-rise apartments, just a short walk away from Lane Cove’s main shopping precinct.
“Considering its prime location, this is a great opportunity for Traders In Purple to work with Sydney Anglican Property to repurpose their asset and deliver wide-ranging benefits to the community.”
Sydney Anglican Property CEO Ross Jones said the project is 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,” said Mr Jones.
“We know that Traders In Purple shares that vision, making them a very compatible development partner for projects like this.
“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.
“We’re already working closely with council and parishioners to ensure the project delivers the best possible outcome for everyone who’s a part of the Lane Cove community.”
Traders In Purple has also acquired an adjacent property to allow for increased project scale and expects to lodge a development application later this year. Following community and stakeholder consultation, they anticipate construction to commence in 2027.