Residents demand demolition of 1 Henry Lawson Ave
McMahons Point residents turned out in force for an open-air court hearing about a controversial $3.5 million development.
Mosman
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The long-running saga of No. 1 Henry Lawson Ave has taken yet another turn.
Wealthy property owner David Fox is fighting a case against North Sydney Council in the Land and Environment Court after a development application was refused.
Mr Fox, also known as David Wilkenfeld, runs dance supplies business Bloch International and is understood to have bought the property ten years ago for $750,000.
Plans were lodged for a $3.5m dwelling and a boat repair facility on the site, which is sandwiched in the middle of a public harbourside park in McMahons Point.
In the background the State Government remains intent on buying the property, which is linked to the mysterious 1930s Shark Arm Murder case, to transform it into parkland.
The case opened Tuesday morning on site and residents were given an opportunity to speak. They all made it clear they oppose the development, want the derelict building demolished and backed the State Government’s plans to transform it into parkland.
“It is clear the government adheres to its intention to acquire the site,” Chairman of Lavender Bay Precinct Robert Stitt said.
“The only outstanding issue is the question of price.”
The property sits within the buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Sydney Opera House.
The Friends of Sydney Harbour group was represented by Patrick Bollen. He was critical of the current rundown state of the property and backed the government’s plans to purchase the site.
“If you look at it now it’s a bloody nightmare,” Mr Bollen said.
“The NSW Government should acquire the site. The land must be treated as public land.”
John Keelty has lived nearby for more than 50 years and believes the property should be demolished to make way for public open space.
“That eyesore has been a pain in the neck for as long as I’ve lived here,” Mr Keelty said.
“The place has been in disrepair all this time … it would be wonderful if it was gifted to the community.”
North Shore MP Felicity Wilson did not attend the hearing this morning. In a statement to the Mosman Daily she said the government remains committed to expanding Blues Point Reserve by purchasing 1 Henry Lawson Ave.
The development application is seeking consent for the construction of a dwelling, car stacker, and a boat building and repair facility.
The current owner has been trying to have plans to develop the site approved by North Sydney Council since 2010. The council and the Land and Environment Court have refused previous plans.
North Sydney Council does not support the current proposal and argues it should be refused by the court as approval would derogate from the long-term objective of the site being acquired by the state government and subsequently dedicated as a public park.