Newsletter 76 – Henry Lawson Parade

The derelict Boat Shed – Henry Lawson Parade, Lavender Bay

Council is given the site and then takes:

• 4 years to prepare a Development Application (to demolish the boat shed and create a park), and
• 5 months to withdrawn it.

In June 2021, the boat shed at 1 Henry Lawson Ave, McMahons Point was compulsorily acquired by the state government at a cost of $9m and then handed to Council.

The boat shed sat in the middle of the harbour fronting park that stretched from Mc Mahons Point and Lavender Bay.

At the time, there was great excitement, Council declared that:

Acquisition of this land will achieve the government’s, Council’s and the community’s long-term vision of continuous public access along the McMahons Point foreshore.

Excitement and confidence – the Mayor’s message in the 2022-26 Delivery Plan read:

$1.4m will be spent to convert 1 Henry Lawson Avenue to parkland ..- $1.4 million in 2022/23

In January 2025 Council released the “application” for Development Approval.

In July 2025 – Mayor successfully moved that the “application” for Development Approval be withdrawn expressing the view that before a decision:

excellent master planning be undertaken to shape and guide the short, medium and longer term projects and works that will be required for the precinct

the current development … appears premature ….

Sad that no one in Council thought of this before undertaking the work needed to prepare the “application” for Development Approval.

So when will work start on the master plan?

In October 2025 Council noted:

that whilst the development of the masterplan for the Blues Point foreshore is noted in Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy, Council does not currently have funding available to undertake this project

So the boat shed with a view of breath taking view of the harbour is left to crumble away.

The $1.4m that had been set aside was then put to other unspecified causes.

Now Council says that it does not have the money to deliver on the promise.

If ever there was a case to repurpose assets (e.g. sell the Ward Street car park) to fund the enhancement of North Sydney and deliver improved amenities – this is it!

The site is so significant, Council needs to take care lest the Government, do what it did with Cammeray Golf Course, step back and re-take possession one way or another.

Ian Mutton

Email:

www.ianmutton.com