The first sod has been officially turned on a project that is set to deliver 48 new dwellings above brand new church facilities and community space on the site of St Andrew’s Anglican Church at Lane Cove.
This project is the first of its kind under SAP’s Urban Renewal Program, rolled out in partnership with Sustainable Development Group. The project, to be delivered by development partner Traders In Purple, sets an exciting blueprint for many other sites across Sydney where existing church land can be used to provide much-needed social infrastructure for the local community, as well as modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for thriving congregations.
Projects like this are only possible when they are the result of a collaboration between partners who share a vision. In Sustainable Development Group, Traders In Purple and architects Plus Studio, that’s precisely what this project enjoys.
SAP Chief Executive Ross Jones said: “There are thriving Anglican churches right across Sydney operating on very well-located sites, but with aging facilities that struggle to meet the needs of a modern congregation. By co-locating housing and community space above brand-new church facilities on these sites, we are able to serve both spiritually and practically, as we respond to the needs of the local community.”
Charles Daoud, co-founder and Executive Director of Traders In Purple, said: “”We applaud the civic minded approach taken by Sydney Anglican Property in putting valuable, well-located church land to work in a way that sees the benefits of urban renewal shared by the wider community.”
Located opposite the popular community hub The Canopy, the development offers walkable access to local shopping, leisure facilities and schools. The new 400-seat auditorium, double the capacity of the existing facility, is intended to serve not only the congregation but also Lane Cove’s arts and cultural community.
With construction now underway in earnest, we pray for safety on site and a smooth delivery.