Shark arm house: Renewed drive to develop 1 Henry Lawson Ave
A court announced its decision on development plans for No. 1 Henry Lawson Ave this week. This is why the owner is not giving up on his dream.
Mosman
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The owner of a prime Sydney Harbour property is not giving up on his dream of transforming it into a luxury home.
Plans to develop No.1 Henry Lawson Ave in McMahons Point were recently thrown out in court but owner David Fox isn’t deterred.
In a statement Mr Fox told the Mosman Daily he intends to lodge an updated development application with North Sydney Council.
“The Court’s decision has clarified in our favour many of the concerns which had been used by council to oppose the thoughtful restoration of this heritage property,” Mr Fox said.
“We will now take on board the Court’s comments for an amended application to Council addressing the outstanding issues.”
Mr Fox added that the Land and Enviornment Court’s decision was very positive in a number of respects. The refused $3.5 million plans included building a new three-level building with a boat repair facility and dwelling, while also restoring the heritage-listed slipways on the site.
The property, which has links to the mysterious 1930s Shark Arm murder, has been at the centre of a long-running legal battle between Mr Fox and North Sydney Council.
North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson wants to see the issue resolved and was surprised to hear he was continuing to pursue the development.
“This is surprising considering the amount of times DA applications have been refused both by council and the court,” Cr Gibson said.
“The community wants the land integrated into the beautiful public open space at Blues Point Reserve.”
The waterside shack is sandwiched in the middle of a public park and locals have campaigned for the building to be removed.
The State Government announced last year it intended to purchase the site to expand Blues Point Reserve and had started negotiations. This position has not changed.
“Blues Point Reserve is an iconic piece of our foreshore and the Government will be pressing ahead with the acquisition to ensure the reserve is delivered for our community,” North Shore MP Felicity Wilson said.
The Mosman Daily understands the Department of Planning has been undertaking due diligence investigations to determine a value for the property so that an offer to purchase it can be made.
Once the valuation report has been finalised, it is understood a letter of offer will be made to the landowners and a six-month period of negotiation will start to attempt to reach an agreement.
If agreement cannot be reached a process will start to compulsory acquire the property.
Once purchased by Government, it will be transferred to North Sydney Council.
Mr Fox said he has not heard from the Department of Planning since September 2019 but remains open to discussions if the matter remains on the active acquisition list.
The battle to transform the run down building has been running for two decades as a previous owner was thwarted in attempts to develop it by the council. It then changed hands and the current owner has been trying to have plans approved since 2010.
RP Data states that the property was purchased for $7.5 million in 2009.
Mr Fox also known as David Wilkenfeld runs dance supplies business Bloch International.
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