‘It’s terrible’: Top Sydney private school in negotiations to buy entire street

A north shore private school is in advanced talks to acquire an entire public road to expand its senior campus, according to local reports. The school, Redlands School, seeks to purchase Monford Place in Cremorne, a short cul-de-sac that is currently owned by the North Sydney Council. The council has agreed to sell the property for “no less” than the independent valuation price, though the exact figure has not been disclosed. The decision follows a significant increase in the cost of the North Sydney pool rebuild, which rose from $58 million to over $122 million, limiting the council’s ability to raise property rates to cover expenses. The council had previously rejected Redlands School’s initial offer to buy part of Edward Street in 2021. However, the recent shift in stance reflects growing financial pressures and the school's persistent push for expansion. The proposed sale of Monford Place is framed by the council as a pragmatic move to address budget constraints. North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker noted that the street is “entirely surrounded by the school” and primarily used for teacher parking, making it a logical candidate for sale. She emphasized that the council was open to exploring the deal due to the street’s limited utility outside of school operations. Local business owners and residents have expressed concerns over the potential impact of the sale. Cleaning business owner Lais Ferraz, who frequently uses the street for her staff, called the proposal “terrible.” She described the area as already bustling with commercial activity, including restaurants and other services, and warned that losing access to the street would worsen congestion and reduce convenience for local businesses. Similarly, Dominik Przywara, owner of Strings Embassy, a music rental service, highlighted the value of the 18 parking spaces available on the street. He argued that the sale would exacerbate existing challenges related to parking and urban density, particularly given that Military Road becomes a clearway after 3 p.m., reducing available parking options for residents and businesses. Neutral Bay resident Glen Curyer, chair of the local precinct committee, voiced additional concerns about transparency. He stated that if the council was selling a street that is regularly used by residents, it should disclose the intended sale price. Curyer pointed out that the street remains beneficial in the evenings, despite being used for parking during the day by Redlands students. He also criticized the broader trend of private schools dominating the North Sydney area, arguing that their presence often leads to conflicts over shared resources such as parks and transportation routes. The situation highlights a longstanding issue between the council and private schools, particularly regarding the use of public spaces. Schools often utilize parks and streets for student activities, while residents who pay property rates are denied similar access. North Sydney Council estimates it is losing over $1 million annually due to this imbalance. In response to past requests for voluntary rate payments, schools have cited legal restrictions preventing them from operating for profit, thus declining to contribute financially to local infrastructure. Redlands School has reiterated its commitment to ongoing dialogue with the council and neighboring communities. In a statement, the school acknowledged that Monford Place is a no-through lane surrounded by school-owned properties, emphasizing its strategic importance for expanding facilities and enhancing educational programs. The school also pledged to consider the interests of the wider community in shaping its future plans. Meanwhile, representatives from Shore School, another institution seeking land, have not yet commented publicly on the matter, leaving the broader implications of the council’s actions uncertain. As discussions continue, the outcome of this negotiation will likely shape the landscape of North Sydney for years to come, influencing both educational expansion and the balance of power between institutions and local governance. The sale of Monford Place represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle over resource allocation and community priorities.