St Alban’s Epping plans to build two 16-storey towers on its prime site near Epping station

Epping’s St Alban’s Anglican Church is planning to demolish the buildings around the church to make way for twin towers of 16 storeys, to be build in partnership with a developer, while retaining the land.

Rev Ross Nicholson at St Alban’s Anglican Church in Epping. Picture: Chris Pavlich

ONE of Epping’s oldest sites is poised for a radical reinvention, as St Alban’s Anglican Church plans two towers on its grounds.

The Pembroke St institution wants to capitalise on its land value and height limits, which allow buildings of 48m (16 storeys).

The church’s Reverend Ross Nicholson said the towers may provide about 150 homes and an opportunity for more community services.

Rev Ross Nicholson at St Alban’s Anglican Church grounds in Epping. Picture: Chris Pavlich

“Our congregation is excited. There is a positive vibe about what we can do,” he said.

“It’s about the ministries we want to do.

“This is not focused on us but looking outward to the wider community.”

Affordable housing, aged care and childcare are being considered.

The hall, often leased by schools and community groups, would be replaced by an underground auditorium.

Rev Nicholson is keen to retain open space in a town centre where there is little.

He said the site had to better serve the wider community.

“A significant Christian principle is stewardship, looking after the resources you’ve got,” he said.

The land, 100m from Epping station, could be worth many millions of dollars.

“How do you justify sitting on that without putting something into the community?” he said.

“It’s incumbent on us to use that land well.”

Rev Ross Nicholson. Picture : Chris Pavlich

The residential component will help the church better fund and improve its many services.

Church leaders are in the early stages of planning and appointed property advisers this week.

Rev Nicholson said most buildings would be demolished, including the hall, rectory and old church – built in 1896 – now used as an office.

The present church, opened in 1923 and extended in 1961, would be the only current building to remain.

The towers would not be limited to homes.

Rev Nicholson said the lower floors could include offices and retail outlets such as cafes.

Parking would be provided underground.

Some church services, such as youth outreach program The Shack, would move to St Aidan’s Parish at West Epping during construction.

The church does not plan to sell its site, rather it will grant a lengthy lease to a developer partner.

Rev Nicholson said the project was five years or more from being completed.

The site is identified as having heritage value, according to council regulations, so a redevelopment may face additional conditions.