Residents in Neutral Bay are rallying to save a row of century-old terraces from demolition after a development application proposed replacing them with an eight-storey apartment block.
Historic Terraces at Risk
A proposal lodged with North Sydney Council seeks approval to demolish six adjoining properties at 27–37 Bydown Street, Neutral Bay, and replace them with a 28-metre-high residential building containing 25 apartments, including six affordable housing units. The $30 million project, designed by PBD Architects for developer Bydown Street Residence DM Pty Ltd, also includes three basement levels of parking.
The 1211.7-square-metre site is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential. The existing cottages, built around 1908, are believed to have housed tram workers and are considered part of Neutral Bay’s early working-class heritage.
Community Effort to Save the Cottages
Local residents have launched a campaign titled Save Bydown Terraces from Demolition – Neutral Precinct to prevent the redevelopment. The online petition calls for an Interim Heritage Order to protect the six adjoining homes, describing them as a rare and intact example of federation workers’ cottages that reflect the suburb’s cultural and architectural history.
The campaign has gained more than 180 signatures, with residents voicing concerns over increased congestion, loss of historical character, and the scale of new developments reshaping the lower north shore. Many argue that once historical homes are demolished, the suburb’s unique identity will be permanently altered.
Council Considers Heritage Protection
A motion was presented at the North Sydney Council meeting on 13 October 2025, following strong community advocacy. Councillors voted unanimously to appoint a heritage consultant to assess whether the Bydown Street cottages are eligible for protection under an Interim Heritage Order.
This decision followed community representations citing the buildings’ historical associations with builder Frank Harpham and architect Thomas W. Hodgson, both linked to significant early 20th-century developments in the area. Harpham was a founding member of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, while Hodgson served multiple terms as a North Sydney mayor.
Heritage and Planning Context
The proposed eight-storey project is part of the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow increased height and density if developments include affordable housing. The Neutral Bay site meets this criterion, proposing six affordable units within the 25-apartment complex.
Recently submitted design renders revealed the new structure’s scale, sparking further concern among residents. Community members claim the building would dominate its surroundings and impact nearby heritage landmarks such as the Neutral Bay Fire Station and Public School.
Continuing Campaign
The Neutral Precinct group continues to encourage public submissions and correspondence with council representatives before a final decision is made. While supporters of the redevelopment cite the need for increased housing, many residents argue that heritage conservation should take precedence in maintaining Neutral Bay’s historic character.
The development application (DA 310/2025) remains open for community submissions through the North Sydney Council Planning Portal, with a final outcome pending the heritage consultant’s assessment.
Published 15-Oct-2025
