‘Fire sale’ fears for North Sydney as council votes to sell street to Shore school

North Sydney Council has voted unanimously to ‘investigate’ selling part of a public street to prestigious private school Shore, in spite of a fierce backlash from residents.

North Sydney resident Danielle Walters says closing Edward St would create traffic and parking issues for residents. Picture: Dylan Coker

North ­Sydney Council has voted unanimously, in the midst of financial strife, to pursue the sale of a street to one of the city’s oldest and wealthiest private schools, with the school declaring residents are “arguing against their own interests” by opposing the move.

Sydney Church of England Grammar School – better known as Shore – had approached North Sydney Council proposing to purchase part of Edward St south of Lord St.

In a report tabled at Monday night’s council meeting, Open Space & ­Infrastructure director Gary Parsons recommended the council’s chief executive be authorised “to enter into discussions regarding the potential closure and sale” of the street section, including undertaking community consultation.

Under the proposal, the ­independent boys’ school would be required to lodge a minimum $20,000 bond with the council to cover the cost of its “investigations”.

Mayor Zoe Baker said as the council confronts “exceptionally difficult and precarious financial circumstances,” all options must be on the table – including charging residents and visitors for access to New Year’s Eve vantage points.

Sydney Church of England Grammar School, better known as Shore, has approached North Sydney Council to buy part of Edward St south of Lord St. Picture: Dylan Coker

“All of these things are matters we must investigate and explore if we are eager to be a careful council who are seeking financial sustainability,” she said.

The motion passed unanimously on the condition that a land swap for a “pocket park” on the street corner also be considered, with councillors Jessica Keen, Angus Hoy and Shannon Welch all speaking in support.

“I want to make it clear that I do not want to see this council forced into a position where we are selling community assets simply because our financial situation is unsustainable,” Ms Welch added.

“I am glad that it will not necessarily be the conditions of a fire sale,” Mr Hoy said.

However residents have already voiced fierce opposition to the ­proposal – just like the last time the school tried to expand its footprint.

Shore in Sydney’s north is one of Australia’s richest and most prestigious schools.

Established in the 19th century, Shore is among the richest schools in the nation, declaring revenue close to $100m in its most recent annual report and charging tuition fees of up to $46,000 a year.

North Sydney Council, meanwhile, recently lost its bid to raise rates by nearly 90 per cent to more than $1500 over the next two years, a move which sparked outrage from ratepayers.

The council is struggling to pay for its problem-plagued North Sydney Olympic Pool redevelopment, with the costs associated with it rising to an estimated $122m, which does not include the $28m which the builder, ICON, is suing the council over.

Danielle Walters, who has lived in Sydney’s north for 20 years, said closing the street would create traffic and parking issues for residents, and said it only added to her discontent with the council.

Danielle Walters is a long time resident of Edward Street in North Sydney. Picture: Daily Telegraph / Dylan Coker

“It is an education district but it is a residential district too,” Ms Walters said.

“How much are we doing to allow a school to dominate a whole area and what does it mean for us? If this is all going to be (a) school should we just be selling our properties to Shore now?”

Speaking at the council meeting on behalf of Shore headmaster Dr John Collier, spokeswoman Sarah Taylor said the “agitated” residents would be “arguing against their own interests” if they oppose the sale.

Shore has previously attracted the ire of North Sydney residents over its redevelopment plans which include plans to increase its capacity by 450 students, with the proposal rubber-stamped by the NSW Planning Minister in January.

“Firstly, Shore’s intention is to move the current traffic snail which occurs at drop-off and pick-up time each day to within its property, should the school complete the purchase,” Dr Collier’s statement read.

“This would enable an internal ring road structure through a turning circle within Shore’s grounds.

“Secondly, while local residents would lose perhaps four parking spaces in Edward St, the school would probably reduce demand for these spots by enhanced spaces within the school … this would have the capacity of reducing staff and student parking in the adjacent streets.”

Originally published as ‘Fire sale’ fears for North Sydney as council votes to sell street to Shore school