By Megan Gorrey
Plans to build an $87 million seniors housing complex on Sydney’s lower north shore have faced resistance from the local council and residents, who argue the development topping seven storeys would overcrowd the suburb while encroaching on heritage-listed buildings and a picture palace.
In the latest flashpoint in the city’s housing affordability crisis, critics warned the Cremorne project would be “excessive” in scale, could harm property values, and the influx of elderly residents would clog roads, strain infrastructure, and make the area less vibrant.
The revised proposal for independent living units for seniors tops seven storeys on Gerard Street, Cremorne.
Skermanic Pty Ltd lodged a proposal to build and operate Pathways Cremorne Seniors Housing between Parraween and Gerard Streets, behind the Hayden Orpheum Theatre on Military Road.
The revised plan includes 58 independent living units for seniors and a 41-bed residential care facility in four blocks of four to seven storeys. The project also incorporates six recently heritage-listed cottages along Parraween Street, a pedestrian link through the site, and 88 car parking spaces.
Despite getting the tick from the Department of Planning, Heritage NSW and Transport for NSW, the “state significant” development was referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission in February after North Sydney Council and more than 50 members of the public objected. They cited concerns about its height and scale, congestion, and the heritage values of the cottages and theatre.
Cremorne Conservation Group founder Fiona Gracie said in a submission that the seven-storey block, which would reach 23 metres facing Gerard Street, “grossly exceeds the height limits permitted under [the relevant legislation], which is set at a maximum building height of 12 metres”.
She said nearby blocks of a similar or greater height had been approved under old planning rules, and the size of the proposed building did “not conform to the desired future character of the area”.
“The Pathways buildings are excessive in bulk and scale, dwarfing the single-storey turn-of-the-century Federation cottages.”
The department’s assessment report said earlier public submissions noted the retail strip had a growing number of bars and restaurants and “raised concerns that future seniors housing occupants would likely object to these proposals, leading to earlier closing times and reduced vibrancy”.
Members of the public had also variously argued the development would “negatively impact” property values, and the development would result in “overpopulation” and strain infrastructure.
The state heritage-listed Hayden Orpheum backs onto Parraween Street.Credit: Sam Mooy
An independent heritage adviser enlisted by the department used a report to acknowledge there were concerns about the complex encroaching on the Orpheum. The art deco cinema, built in 1935, was added to the State Heritage Register last May.
But the adviser said the developer’s analysis of visual and shadow impacts of the plan “adequately demonstrated that there will be no direct or indirect impacts on the setting of the item”.
The report said the facades of the federation cottages would be conserved, and the demolition of additions and outbuildings would have a “minimal and acceptable impact” on their significance.
Heritage NSW agreed the proposal would not affect the heritage significance of the Orpheum; Transport for NSW found it was unlikely to have significant consequences for the road network.
The proposal includes three buildings of four storeys behind six Federation cottages on Parraween Street, opposite the rear of the Hayden Orpheum cinema.
The Department of Planning has recommended the project for approval with conditions, finding its provision of new homes for the area’s ageing population, close to Cremorne’s town centre, was in line with the Minns government’s priority to build well-located and accessible housing for seniors.
“The proposal is consistent with a high-density residential environment and would not compromise the residential amenity or heritage values of the site or the surrounding area.
“The department considers the proposal is in the public interest.”
A three-member panel from the commission will decide the proposal.
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