Pattons Slipway’s $3.3m Kirribilli expansion plans spark Sydney Harbour view backlash

A plan to expand one of the last boat maintenance businesses on Sydney Harbour’s foreshore has sparked a battle over waterfront views, with a surprise organisation emerging as the chief critic.

Theatre performers have emerged as the chief critics of a multimillion-dollar boating development, fearing huge boats may “obliterate” their views across Sydney Harbour.

A $3.3m proposal by Pattons Slipway in Kirribilli has ruffled feathers among members of the adjacent Ensemble Theatre over fears the development could have “adverse effects” on the troupe’s artistic endeavours.

The slipway, which has operated on the edge of Careening Cove since the 1940s, is one of the last remaining boat maintenance facilities on the north shore waterfront and specialises in repairs, upgrades as well sail-making services.

Pattons Slipway, owned by the Sydney Flying Squadron, now wants to upgrade and expand the facility as part of a development that would include a new five-vessel pontoon, a hardstand and a boat crane that could lift vessels as heavy as 15 tonnes from the water.

The Ensemble Theatre, which is located directly next to the slipway, fears the expansion would create “adverse visual impacts”, along with “increased noise and air pollution” and a “disruption to the tranquil, scenic character of Careening Cove”.

A concept image of the proposed works.

The theatre’s executive director, Loretta Busby, said the impacts could undermine the “unique cultural and aesthetic experience” the theatre offers to its patrons.

“We’re worried about the intensification of the site. It’s a sleepy quiet site, and we’re worried about noise,” she said.

“The noise generated by boat hoisting and increased activity would impact our operations, particularly rehearsals and live performances.

“It’s really going to impact our view, which will impact the experience of our patrons.”

Pattons Slipway’s plans state the development is “appropriate in scale” to its surroundings and will address demand for boat repair and maintenance facilities on Sydney Harbour.

“The site is an industrial working waterfront and should remain for this purpose,” the company’s plans state.

The theatre is located next to the slipway.

“The proposed development represents a sound and economic use of an existing industrial waterfront facility.”

The plans for the site follow a planning panel’s 2019 rejection of a previous development proposal, which prompted residents to raise concerns partly centred on views.

Submissions to North Sydney Council show multiple residents have again made submissions opposing the latest development with complaints about noise, views, traffic, heritage impacts and building heights.

Pattons is one of the last businesses of its kind on Sydney Harbour.

Pattons Slipway, in its plans, stated the proposed development should be “embraced for its benefit to employment” and provision of “affordable access to boat repairs and maintenance.”

The development would also include restoration works of an existing boatshed, which burned down in a fire in 1992.

The plans have been lodged with North Sydney Council and remain under assessment.