The Hunters Hill Trust

Regrettably the term “Masterplan” is no long relevant for this current Planning Proposal as it is far from the original Masterplan presented to the community in 2021.  This Plan originally included the entire Victoria Road frontage from Pittwater Road to Junction Street, four heritage items in a Heritage Conservation Area and the Key Gladesville Shopping Village (GSV) site.
 
Since the acquisition of the GSV site by Property Developer Third.i Group, the Council-led Masterplan has effectively morphed into a site specific Planning Proposal that includes two potentially 23-storey towers surrounded by a retail podium.
 
At Council’s meeting on Monday 23 February 2026, the latest Proposal, which has been approved with Conditions by the NSW Gateway process, came back to Councillors for their approval to move it to the next stage. However, as the flaws and issues detailed in our web post below, have not yet been fully resolved, and loose ends have not been tied up, a Motion was put forward by the two Independent Councillors to defer the process until this work had been done to ensure the Developer does not use their own interpretation of the Plans.  This Motion was lost 5 votes to 2.
 
Our many website posts dating from as far back as June 2013, document the failures of this project which has gone from bad to worse with the same fraught issues still being played out today.  In particular in October 2021, following community consultation and a preference expressed for a maximum building height of 16 storeys, Council resolved unanimously that “lower height options be investigated” and that it would “continue to consult and involve the community in the development of the Masterplan”.  This has not happened and major flaws in the latest Proposal still remain as follows:

The Planning Proposal excludes some blocks of the earlier Masterplan which jeopardises the future viability of the surrounding sites to develop and contribute to a revitalised Gladesville.
 

The latest Proposal is a Site Specific Planning Proposal that will require a change to HH Local Environmental Plan 2012, due to the fact that the Developer states that “planning controls currently in place prohibit many of the envisaged outcomes of the Project, such as increased height of buildings and increased development floor space.” This sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of our LGA.
 

This development will increase the density, population and building heights in Gladesville, all without providing any affordable housing.
 

Details of how increases in traffic can be managed and a more thorough analysis of the overshadowing of Gladesville Public School do not appear to have been adequately resolved, and the consultation with public authorities like Transport for NSW has taken place but issues remain.

If Council can satisfy the Gateway Conditions we understand that the Planning Proposal may be put on public exhibition shortly when the community can finally have their say!

As detailed in our previous post of 14 May 2025, Council rejected the argument by the two Independent Councillors that the Planning Proposal for Gladesville Shopping Village should be treated as a new proposal and put on public exhibition because building heights lower that this had already been rejected by the community, and rejected by a previous Council resolution when a 16 storey tower was proposed!
 
In spite of the increased height of this proposal which allows for the construction of 2 x 19 storey tower blocks – at their 28 April 2025 meeting – Council passed a motion by 5 votes to 2 to send it to NSW Department for Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway approval.

Subsequently, it appears that the Gateway Determination Approval (with Conditions) was issued by the NSW DPHI on 22 September 2025.
 
The community are now able to view the Approval as it was uploaded to Council’s website on 30 January 2026: 
https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/pre-exhibition/gladesville-masterplan (open ‘Documents’ and view Gateway Determination)
 
Approval (subject to Conditions) was given to amend the planning controls of the Hunters Hill Local Environmental Plan 2012 to facilitate a mixed use development at Gladesville Town Centre.
 
We were pleased to see some of the Conditions that must be addressed by Council reflect community concerns, for instance providing analysis of how the 522 dwellings and 5000 sqm of non-residential gross floor area can be achieved, details of expected increases in traffic and further analysis of the overshadowing of Gladesville Public School (see our HHT June 2025 Jounal).  In addition, Council must undertake further consultation with Transport for NSW and public authorities like Sydney Water.

However what has still not been addressed is the overdevelopment of this site which will dramatically increase population density and introduce building heights that set a dangerous precedent for the rest of our LGA but has no affordable housing!
 
Neither does it address the site as a whole, as anticipated in the Gladesville Masterplan and as specifically requested by the Local Planning Panel.  The Proposal only addresses one area of the site (Block 4) adding two x 19 storey towers above a 2 storey retail podium.  The proposed layout could even allow up to 23 storeys, completely out of context with the surrounding mainly low-rise established neighbourhood.

On their website, Council states that an update on the Planning Proposal, along with an associated draft update to the Hunters Hill Development Control Plan, will be considered prior to the planned public exhibition of these documents in early 2026.
 
We will keep you posted as to when the community can finally have their say!!

This edition HHT December 2025 Journal reflects on the many issues that the Trust has been involved in in 2025, particularly the proposal to expand Woolwich Marina and Council’s plans for “Remnant Land” and documents the latest updates on Planning & Development.

• From our President
• The Trust Christmas Party 2025
• Update on Development & Planning:
  • Revision of the Hunters Hill Local Environmental Plan
  • Gladesville Shopping Village
  • NSW Planning Reforms Bill 2025
  • Woolwich Marina
  • Montefiore Proposal
  • ‘Miranda’ 39 Alexandra Street
  • Hunters Hill Village Development
• Update on Remnant Land:
  • Council’s review of parcels of land included in August 2025 Remnant Land Report
  • 16C Vernon Street
  • C.A. Fairland Hall
• Hunters Hill Modern – featuring another of our stunning mid-century modern homes
• Update on Tree Vandalism
• Stop Press – update on membership renewal cycle

On Friday 19 December 2025 we received the exciting news that after three months of deliberations, Justice Beasley of the NSW Land & Environment Court, dismissed the Appeal for an expansion to Woolwich Marina! 
 
The determination is posted on the NSW Caselaw website at https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/19b2ef05f2f3a461ce8de209

Following the previous unanimous rejection of the expansion to the Marina by Hunters Hill Council and the Sydney North Planning Panel (see our web posts below), the Applicant appealed to the Land and Environment Court.
 
After a hard fought campaign by community groups supporting Council, including the Trust, the Friends of Kelly’s Bush, several sailing organisations, the boating community and committed individuals, the Court has now rejected this Appeal.
 
Part of Justice Beasley’s judgement quoted here, was the strongest argument for the refusal of this proposal:

“I have ultimately reached the conclusion that, from foreshore locations within the public domain, the visual impacts of the Proposal would be such that development consent should not, and cannot, be granted. These visual impacts are closely linked to what I also consider to be significant impacts on heritage items within Sydney Harbour.”

Thank you to everyone for supporting this critical community issue and upholding the principles of equity and fairness. It was of vital importance to the continued protection of the heritage precinct of historic State Listed Kelly’s Bush and the UNESCO world heritage site of Cockatoo Island.
 
This proves that community can make a difference to ensure our hard won public spaces and waterways remain for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

Over 90 members enjoyed a wonderful evening at yet another magnificent home, “Allawah”.   Our hosts David and Penny Griffith kindly opened their charming c1906 residence to members, who were thrilled to wander through the superb house and gardens and admire the stunning views on a lovely summer’s evening. A beautiful Federation home, Allawah was sympathetically restored and extended by heritage architect Howard Tanner in 2003.

Once again the Sydney Gypsies provided lively entertainment…..

Many of our members commented on how delightful it was to come together in such a beautiful venue, and enjoy a happy evening with excellent food, fine wine and engaging conversation!

The Trust has long been mindful of the significance of the historic and picturesque Gladesville Hospital site and been involved in conducting walks around the area to help raise awareness of this special place.
 

We were recently approached by a Journalist from ABC News Sydney who was writing an article on Callan Park and examining other former psychiatric sites in Sydney, including Gladesville Hospital.  She was interested in the Trust’s local perspective regarding the site’s historical, social, cultural and environmental value at a time when commercial interests are often prioritised.
 

With the current focus on housing development, we were pleased to contribute and emphasize the social significance and heritage of this beautiful area and the invaluable green space it provides for the community. 
 

Read the article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-07/future-for-sydney-former-psychiatric-hospital-sites-callan-park/105829904
 

This article served as a timely reminder for us to revisit the importance of this area which has ancient significance as a site of Aboriginal occupation with evidence of open and shelter middens near the foreshore. 
 

Gladesville Hospital’s colonial history started in 1834 when a decision to establish an Asylum at Tarban Creek made it the first purpose-built mental health asylum on mainland Australia. It is architecturally significant with the original sandstone complex being designed by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis between 1836 and 1838 and the site contains many fine examples of classical sandstone architecture, quadrangles and stone walls.  Its subsequent brick built wards, formal gardens, escarpment terraces and vistas of early landscaping are equally impressive.
 

The Hospital’s social history is as important as its historical roots.  Dr Francis Campbell, the first Medical Superintendent, was appointed in 1848 and at his retirement twenty years later, wrote of his attempts to change the ‘hereditary system of inhuman expediency transmitted from one generation of unreflecting men to another’. 
 

However his successor in 1868, Dr Frederick Norton Manning a former naval surgeon, had much more success, making recommendations to Parliament for the extension of accommodation for patients and staff, the provision of a Superintendent’s house, improved recreation facilities for patients and the acquisition of an adjoining twenty-eight acre property for agriculture.  Large dormitories of wood and galvanised iron were erected in 1869 and a two-storey building for women in 1871.
 

Dr Manning minimised the use of restraints and introduced new reforms and radical improvements in the care of his ‘patients’, based on ‘moral therapy’ principles of psychiatric care and the belief that an environment where the patient was involved with nature, was beneficial.  He made provisions for patient activities with workshops, gardening and small scale farming to reduce the boredom of life in an asylum and improve the quality and variety of fresh food in inmates’ diet.  The landscape played a pivotal role in this method of treatment and during 1871-78 many native trees and exotic plants were sent from the Botanic Gardens to enhance the grounds.
 

Gas lighting was installed in 1887 and in 1888 The Priory, on the northern side of Victoria Road, was added to the Gladesville Hospital complex.  In 1892, after a connection to piped water was established, baths were built as part of the increasing use of hydrotherapy in the care and cure of the mentally ill.

Dr Manning pioneered mental health care in NSW and helped develop a sound legislative basis for the administration of public asylums. He sought to change attitudes, resulting in an opening up of the accountability and public image of the asylum system and laying the groundwork for future developments in mental healthcare in Australia.
 

Re-named Gladesville Mental Hospital in 1915, it was successfully used to rehabilitate WWI servicemen at that time but eventually closed as a standalone entity in 1993. The approach to the treatment of mental illness has progressed significantly since the 19th century with strong research demonstrating that people with mental health problems do much better in the community, if they are well supported.
 

The important buildings and structures on this site plus its grounds are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.  The Asylum Cemetery, the final resting place for 1,228 inmates, has recently been specifically recognised as culturally significant, with its Cypress Grove typical of the Victorian-era as physical evidence of the burial ground and a particularly poignant reminder, given that most of the graves are without headstones.
 

This 25-hectare site is owned by the NSW Department of Health who have in previous years, stated their commitment to being a responsible and inclusive caretaker recognising the social and historical significance of the Hospital complex.
 

In current times, with more and more families living in apartments with limited room for physical play, green space is becoming increasingly valuable and this site is available for the public to wander through.   It is a well used area where many people come together to play sport, picnic, walk and enjoy outdoor pursuits in the open parklands, as well as appreciating the expansive water views over the Parramatta River from the network of paths around the shoreline.   The Bedlam Bay Swim Site is also now open and is another welcome community asset.
 

The Trust is not about preserving heritage at any cost but we consider that it is in the best interests of public health and wellbeing that, if a limited area of the site were to be considered for homes in the future, it should be for the sensible and respectful development of social housing (including Supported Independent Living) and affordable housing that can co-exist harmoniously within established green space, mature trees and heritage to preserve the charm and relevance of this site’s important and poignant history.
 

In this way, it can be preserved for the good of all and for the benefit of future generations.

 

Credit for some text and images: Nomination for State Heritage Register submitted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (NSW) 2018

See also the Gladesville Hospital entry under Conservation in HH https://huntershilltrust.org.au/archive/gladesville-hospital/

The 10-day Hearing in the Land & Environment Court commenced on Thursday 4 September with many residents turning out for the early morning LEC onsite visit at the Horse Paddock in front of Judge Beasley.
 

 
This was the opportunity for the public to air their views.  The speakers were impressive and their presentations compelling with detailed data and arguments being presented – each one unique and evidence based.  Speakers included the President of the Sydney Region of the National Parks Association, representatives from Sailing, Kayaking and Rowing Clubs and a Contamination Expert.
 
In addition a community member who had run a Charter Boat company and had a detailed understanding of the issues, gave a very compelling presentation as to how this will affect the community.
 
Another very graphic presentation was made by a resident who showed the Judge many images of vessels on fire at Marinas which dramatically highlighted the alarming risk of parked boats adjacent to Kelly’s Bush.
 

 
Council’s solicitors were delighted with the high level of community support and the well-thought out information presented by speakers.
 
The 10-day Hearing then moved into Court and the nine ‘Objector Parties’ supporting Council, including the Trust, were represented by our inspiring and hardworking lawyer who has been guiding us through this process since the beginning.  The Objector Parties’ Contentions were broadly grouped into 3 categories:

1.     Unacceptable adverse impact on visual qualities, landscape character and heritage
2.     Unacceptable adverse impact on use of the Inner Harbour by recreational sailors; and
3.     Unacceptable adverse impact on public use and enjoyment of the foreshores and waterways.

Detailed arguments from the Applicant’s and Council’s barristers, lawyers and experts were presented with our lawyer’s powerful submission being made on the last day.   Representatives from the Trust, the SOS team, the Sailing Clubs and the community were in court every day to observe the proceedings and reinforce the strength of our concern.
 
There has been considerable public interest in this case – a link to a recent ABC report is here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-13/hunters-hill-council-battle-sydney-marina-expansion-kellys-bush/105752296  and below an article from the Daily Telegraph.
 
The Hearing has now completed and the judgement is awaited but may not be handed down for some months. However we remain optimistic that we will be successful in challenging this huge extension to a private Marina that will effectively occupy 26,100sqm of public waterways which are currently – and always should be – for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
 

Our various web posts below detail the sequence of events in the fight against the Woolwich Marina Expansion, which have now reached an important stage.
 
Whilst Hunters Hill Council continues to take the legal and financial lead in this battle, they have also asked us and other supporter ‘Parties’ to provide a backup in the form of experts in the fields of heritage, landscape character, navigation and water safety.
 
The Hunters Hill Trust and Friends of Kelly’s Bush as joint supporters, have been lucky in securing the services of a very experienced heritage and visual assessment expert, and both organisations have now undertaken to cover his costs from our cash reserves, as our contribution to the expense of the legal challenge.
 
However, the extent of the funds needing to be raised to supply experts and support Council is estimated to be in the order of $60,000 which is beyond the reach of any of the Parties involved.    So, if you would like to support this initiative to oppose the marina expansion and donate to the fighting fund, you can do this now via the Australian Sports Foundation who have kindly set up a page for TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS:

MARINA EXPANSION FIGHTING FUND

http://asf.org.au/campaigns/hunters-hill-sailing-club/marina-expansion-fighting-fund

All funds raised will go directly to the cause.
 
If you would like to donate directly to the Trust (not tax deductible) you can do so by bank transfer to: CBA Bank, BSB: 062000, Acct: 16211909, Acct Name: Hunters Hill Trust. Any and all donations would be gratefully received and carefully used for the above.
 
The arrangements for the onsite Land and Environment Court hearing on 4th September are being finalised – so watch this space!

The Hunters Hill Trust June 2025 Journal just published, introduces our new President and reports on the Members Evening & AGM and presentation from the Harbour Trust.  We feature the latest information on Planning & Development, the results of our Freedom of Information requests at Council and updates on previous news.  Another special ‘Hunters Hill Modern’ supplement from pages 3-6 gives a fascinating insight into the innovative mid-century modernist architect, Harry Seidler.

• A Message from our departing and incoming Presidents
• The Trust’s Members Evening & AGM held on 29 May 2025
• Update on Planning & Development:
  • Gladesville Shopping Village
  • Local Environmental Plan
  • Woolwich Marina Expansion
  • Development at Hunters Hill Village
• Hunters Hill Modern – Focus on Harry Seidler
• News Update:
  • GIPA (Freedom of Information) Requests for:
    • Boronia Park Sports & Community Facility
    • Figtree Park
• Update on 16C Vernon Street
• Update on Trees
• Gladesville Reserve

The community came together on the 15th June, a sparkling Sunday morning, to protest against the proposed extension of the privately owned Woolwich Marina.   At a well-attended and upbeat event on the beautiful harbour foreshore at Horse Paddock, the ‘Paddle Protest’ of canoes, kayaks, small boats and sailing yachts was held on sparkling water, with crowds of supporters gathered on the shore.
 
They came to highlight the devastating implications of an expanded marina three times larger than currently, with double the capacity including catering for 25+m 3-storey high super yachts, alienating this public, historic foreshore to the sailing community and to the users of Kelly’s Bush and the Parklands.
 
Below is a selection of photos from the event:

There has been much publicity around this issue which is capturing the public’s attention and outrage – particularly at the potential implications for Kelly’s Bush (see our web post of 1st June below for all the issues around this proposal).
 
The SOS Team delivered a petition to Council containing 535 signatures against the Woolwich Marina expansion, in time for Council’s next meeting on Monday 23 June.    The number of signatures continues to grow, with people registering their concerns about the dangers of the marina expansion and the significant losses incurred to the community should it go ahead.
 
Sign the petition at https://www.sossaveourshores.com.au/woolwich-marina-petition to add your name to the community’s resolve to defend public waterways and backing Council’s commitment to protect this important open space for future generations.
 
Submissions on the proposal close on Friday 27th June so make sure you Have Your Say at https://connect.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/woolwich-marina-proposed-Development 
 
The Protest also made the front page of The Weekly Times published on the 18th June and the ‘To the Point’ article by Jim Sanderson explains why this expansion is unacceptable on every level.