Welcome to our week in review.
LCM Church Site & Finlayson St Redevelopment Approved
On Monday 14 July 2025, the Sydney North Planning Panel published its determination on the LCM Church & Finlayson Street development.
The panel decided unanimously to approve the application. You can read the panel’s decision here.
In particular, the panel noted:
“The Panel concurs with the Independent Assessor’s advice that the Applicant’s 4.6 written request demonstrates that at 27.85 m the portion of the development exceeding the height limit will not result in unreasonable privacy or visual impacts. The additional height is concentrated towards the northern boundary, thereby minimising overshadowing of the public domain, and the redistribution of height is also sympathetic to the heritage item.”
The draft terms and conditions of the development consent stipulate that the auditorium has a capacity of 418.
The development will be undertaken by the national property and construction group Traders In Purple in partnership with Sydney Anglican Property.
Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said:
“The proposal we took to Lane Cove Council deliberately responded to the community’s need for more diverse housing and cultural space,” said Mr Robinson. “There is a demand for high quality well-designed premium apartments for locals wanting to downsize in their neighbourhood and those wanting to raise their family in a highly desirable suburb without the burden of a high maintenance house and yard.
“It was very clear to us that the local community is also in need of a larger performance space, and we look forward to providing the community with a fantastic new venue that will support the cultural richness of Lane Cove.”
Background on the development proposal here.
Lane Cove Festival Meets The Sydney Fringe Festival
Lane Cove can expect a flurry of independent and innovative performances to hit their streets and venues as Lane Cove Council has announced a month-long partnership with Sydney Fringe.
The Sydney Fringe Festival is a multi-genre arts and performance festival which operates in multiple venues around Sydney in September. This year, the event has joined forces with the annual Lane Cove festival to utilise Lane Cove’s state-of-the-art performance spaces, including Pottery Lane Performance Space, The Canopy stage, Gallery Lane Cove, and Carisbrook Historic House.
Name For Lane Cove Sport & Recreation Centre Announced
The new sport and recreation centre on River Road will be called Galuwa Recreation Centre.
The name was announced by Lane Cove Council during NAIDOC week celebrations. The decision comes after a call for public submissions, many of which incorporated Aboriginal words. This led Lane Cove Council to work with the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO) to select a name that celebrates and honours local Aboriginal culture.
Galuwa means ‘to climb’.
Mayor of Lane Cove, Councillor Merri Southwood, said, “The name Galuwa represents more than just a place to play sport. It’s an invitation for our community to climb higher — in body, mind and spirit. We’re proud to acknowledge the Sydney Aboriginal language and create a space that inspires all ages to grow and connect.”
The Galuwa Recreation Centre will feature:
- 4 indoor multisport courts
- 4 outdoor multisport courts
- 4 multi-purpose rooms
- Bistro and outdoor dining
- New golf pro shop and amenities
- 234 space car park
Construction on the facility is expected to be completed late 2025.
Lane Cove In the News: The Growing Problem Of Abandoned Boats
A growing number of abandoned and deteriorating vessels in Sydney Harbour is drawing renewed scrutiny from authorities and environmental groups. Among the locations under scrutiny is Woodford Bay, where moored boats have raised concerns about compliance, oversight, and long-term harbour management. The issue has also brought attention to the role of a North Shore boat dealer, whose business dealings may be linked to several of the vessels in question.
Read more in this Sydney Morning Herald article (paywalled).
Lane Cove In The News: Vinnies Pricing Wizardry Raises Eyebrows
Lane Cove’s Vinnie’s store was under fire this past week for overpricing a Harry Potter book. See the details here.
Have Your Say: The Canopy Playground Upgrade
Lane Cove Council is planning an upgrade of the sandpit area at The Canopy playground. The sand has created ongoing maintenance issues which the Council believes are no longer sustainable.
Council advises the sand is:
- Blocking the drains for the water play, and the adjacent stormwater drainage infrastructure
- Causing drainage and maintenance issues in the adjacent toilet block
- Getting tracked across the paving and creating issues with mechanisms in the escalators down to the grocery stores
- Getting worked into the adjacent rubber softfall accelerating deterioration of the material, and requiring additional maintenance
- Causing accelerated wear on the rope climbing elements on the large play structure; and
- The sandpit itself requires greater than anticipated cleaning + maintenance which is required for safe and enjoyable play
The short-term solution will be to remove the sand and replace it with mulch, whilst the longer-term plans are finalised through community consultation. This is likely to occur in August 2025; a specific date has yet to be confirmed.
You can have your say on what you would like to see in the upgrade. Lane Cove Council hopes to reimagine the area with fresh, fun, and inclusive play opportunities that work for everyone.
Have your say by:
- Completing the online survey
- Attending drop in sessions at the playground:
– Monday 28 July 9:00am-11:00am
– Monday 28 July 2:00pm-3:00pm - Email quoting SU10721
- Call the project team on 9911 3555
Have Your Say: Planning Proposal – 170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich
Lane Cove Council is inviting initial comments on a Planning Proposal for 170 Pacific Highway. The Planning Proposal aims to permit an additional use of the site as Senior Housing, which is currently a commercial premises.
See here for proposal details.
To submit comments email quoting the reference ‘170 Pacific Highway, Greenwich – SU10718′.
Submission period ends 25th July 2025.
Pure Flowers is celebrating 30 years in Lane Cove!
Congratulations to the team at Pure Flowers, who are celebrating 30 years in Lane Cove. The store and Baker’s Delight were the first businesses to open in the arcade in mid 1995.
The store opened as Ellen’s Flowers and was rebranded to Pure Flowers. Some customers still remember the original owners Ellen, then Theresa.
Ludmila and Elen have owned the business for 13 years and are the third owners.
It’s been an incredible journey and as a thank you to the local community Pure Flowers will be giving away 30 floral designs this month – look out for details on the store’s Instagram and Facebook later this week.
Ludmila & Elen said “Over the years the team has created thousands of bouquets, delivered many messages of love, friendship and care and designed countless designs for life’s special moments which we have seen brighten so many faces. That is why we love doing what we do – surprising and delighting people by spreading joy through beautiful flowers.”
Pure Flowers is located in the arcade, 23-25 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove, between Baker’s Delight, Guzman & Gomez and The Cakeman
Business Alert: Anglicare Op Shop Opens
Anglicare Op Shop Lane Cove opened their doors on Wednesday 16th July on Longueville Rd next to the NAB.
Welcome to Lane Cove Anglicare Op Shops!
NAIDOC Week Mini Film Festival
Lane Cove Council has partnered with Awesome Black to bring NAIDOC week celebrations to Lane Cove Cinema Club.
What: 3 Powerful Screenings showcasing First Nations stories:
When: Thursday 17th – Saturday 19th July
Where: Pottery Lane Performance Space
Time: Doors open 5:00 pm, screenings 5.30 pm
How: Bookings essential. See links for each date below.
Thursday 17th July – A night of short films by Indigenous filmmakers, catered to a youth audience. If you are between 12-17 years old – come early for a free BBQ feed on the Pottery Lane Balcony from 4:00pm.
Friday 18th July – Satellite Boy (All Ages) If you are between 12-17 years old – come early to the Synergy Youth Centre for a free feed from 2pm.
Saturday 19th July – Sweet Country (MA15+)
Rotary Car Boot Sale Sunday 20th July
Lane Cove Rotary’s Car Boot Sale is almost here!
Seller spots are all booked out – which means all you have to do is turn up and grab a pre-loved bargain. There will be something for everyone; previous sales have seen an abundance of toys, clothes and bric-a-brac.
Get Planting on National Tree Day
Help plant native shrubs and groundcovers in July as part of National Tree Day events all across Australia!
This year Lane Cove’s Tree Day events will be spread across two weekends at smaller reserves, to support the ongoing work of our Bushcare volunteers.
Session 1: Sunday 20 July: 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Woodford Bay)
Session 2: Sunday 27 July 9:00am – 11:00am (Aquatic Park)
RSVP essential.
Chat With A Speech Pathologist At The Lane Cove Toy Library
Drop into The Lane Cove Toy Library on Monday 28th July 2025 for an informal chat with a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist about your child’s development.
Can’t Get Enough Of Local Events?
See ITC’s Event Calendar for more listings or post an event here.
Lane Cove West FC Team Crowned State Champions
Congratulations to Lane Cove West FC’s U17 side who were crowned NSW State Cup Champions on Sunday 13 July 2025.
Led by coach Cormac Begley the team defeated Belrose Terry Hills FC 3-1 in the final at Valentines Sports Park in Glenwood.
Well done to all involved!
Join All-Girls Auskick
The Lane Cove Cats All Girls Auskick program is underway – and they would love to see you out on the field!
What: Auskick for girls aged 5–8 years. Female coach & a friendly, girls-only group. No experience needed. Fun, active sessions.
Where: Blackman Park, Lane Cove
When: Sundays 20 July – 17 August 2025
Time: 8.00 am – 9.00 am
How: Register now. Get it free with code: 15B4C675
Junior Rugby Union Players Tour NZ
Some of Lane Cove Junior Rugby Union Club (LCJRU) Under 14 players have been on a rugby tour in New Zealand.
It’s been a successful tour with the side coming away with two wins from three games, played in three different locations.
The first match took place in Christchurch against where the team came away with a win.
Game two was in Canterbury against Canterbury College in trying conditions; cold, raining and muddy. Lane Cove played well but went down 41-22.
The final match took place in beautiful Queenstown against Wakatipu High School. Lane Cove was victorious with the final result 38 to 17.
The tour has been a wonderful experience for the under 14 boys, coaches, managers, parents and supporters.
images courtesy LCJRU
Lane Cove Sporting Clubs – ITC Needs You!
We’re updating our Local Sporting Clubs page on In the Cove and want to make sure everyone’s included!
Whether it’s netball, soccer, footy, cricket, martial arts, or any other sport – if your club is based in or around Lane Cove, please take a moment to submit or update your club’s details via this form.
Let’s help more locals get involved and active!
Worksite Accident St Leonards
At approximately 9.30 am on Wednesday 9 July a male worker aged in his 20s had a fall at a building site on Canberra Ave St Leonards. He suffered significant injuries.
NSW Ambulance paramedics worked to stabilise the man at the scene with FRNSW rescue trucks also attending. The worker was lowered to the ground using an onsite crane and then conveyed to hospital.
Police Seek Persons Of Interest In Lane Cove Break-Ins
North Shore PAC are again seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the two individuals below who were allegedly involved in several break and enters in the Lane Cove area. If you can assist or have any information, please contact Chatswood Police Station on 9414 8499 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Incident ref #E100165812.
Week In Review Sponsor – JDP Electrical
JPD Electrical has been providing Electrical Services throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area for over 20 years.
Brothers Dominic and Joseph Panetta have built a reputable electrical contracting business focusing on excellent personal and trusted customer service and reliability. Jo lives in Lane Cove.
JDP Electrical Services specialise in Light and Power Installations, Repairs and Maintenance, Fault finding, Complete Re-wires, Switchboards and Upgrades, Smoke Detectors, Telephone & Data and Clipsal C-Bus Automation.
Our aim is to provide our customers with a reliable, honest and personal service and in doing so will continue to be trusted electricians within the North Shore and Sydney Metropolitan Area.
On many occasions, Dominic and Joe have seen electrical wiring and installations at its worst that needed immediate repairing, and it’s from this experience that started JDP’s work ethos…
JDP Electrical strongly stand by our belief…”Do it Once and Do it Right”
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Thank You
Thank you to the In the Cove team, our advertisers, roving reporters and everyone who stops our founder, Jacky Barker, on the street and tells her how much In the Cove has helped them learn more about where they live.
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