Finlayson Street
CLIENTS | Traders in purple, Sydney Anglican Property + Sustainable Development Group Limited
TYPE | Architecture, Interior Design, Documentation
SECTOR | MIXED USE, COMMUNITY, Residential, Social + Affordable Housing
STATUS | design development
Location | Lane cove, nsw
HEIGHT | 28m, 8 storeys
SCALE | Site: 3,763 GFA: 8,406 sqm, 47 apartments + Rectory
RENDERS | atchain
Designing connection through time and place
Set within a heritage-rich pocket of Lane Cove, Finlayson Street is the result of a partnership between Traders In Purple, Sydney Anglican Property and Sustainable Development Group, designed by Plus to create a contemporary community hub.
Located near Lane Cove's vibrant town centre, this mixed-use development builds on Lane Cove's existing heritage character, introducing 47 apartments and the adaptive reuse of the 1924-built parish church to support both ministry and daily life while strengthening engagement with the broader Lane Cove community.
The heritage church hall plays a key role in the entry experience of the church and community facilities. The generous entry of Rosenthal Avenue draws from the character of this historic building and compliments it with a contemporary interiors experience.
“Working with Traders In Purple, Sydney Anglican Property and Sustainable Development Group has been a real privilege. We’ve all put a lot of thought into what will serve the Lane Cove community well into the future and how we can best reflect this through design,” says Director Rido Pin.
Retaining the historic church building, the design respects the site’s legacy and integrates modern, adaptable facilities, including a 400-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art ministry and community spaces, and new residential apartments, including a rectory. Within its two-storey base, the project addresses both heritage and progress, ensuring the site can still remain a place of gathering, connection, and service in a modern, urban context.
“Lane Cove is a highly desirable suburb so it’s no surprise that those who have lived here for many years want to remain, provided they can find housing appropriate to their needs,” says Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson.
The architecture is a clear response to Lane Cove’s urban and natural surroundings, building on its strong tree canopy and landscape character. Informed by a "Design with Country" approach, the building uses a refined material palette and articulated massing to complement the existing streetscape, improving visibility and wayfinding.
Finlayson Street represents a considered evolution of place—designed to support the changing needs of today while ensuring its lasting contribution to Lane Cove’s future.
