Mayor in urgent talks with Anglican Church

A church in Lilyfield is in urgent talks with Leichhardt Council and developers over the future of the site.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne has revealed his opposition to the possibility the St Mark’s Anglican Church in Lilyfield may be sold and turned into a residential development.

“In my view, it would be wrong for land that has always served a public purpose to be sold off to the highest bidder,” said Mr Byrne.

He hopes Council may be able to negotiate with the Anglican Church to transform it into a community asset.

“I am hoping that the Anglican Church might be receptive to the idea of developing it for a childcare centre,” said Mr Byrne.

A meeting was held between the Anglican Church, the Mayor and community representatives to discuss possible outcomes. Community representative at the meeting, Ann-Therese King said the church had already received keen interest from developers.

“A church representative discussed the background of the issue, including a current unsolicited offer to purchase the site outright and to convert it to residential,” she said.

“Community representatives pleaded with the church to decline this offer until all other options for retaining the site for community use were exhausted.”

All parties agreed they would prefer the site remain a community asset.

“I want to ensure that this site remains mutually beneficial to the church and the local community,” said Mr Byrne. “I will be seeking support from other councillors for a detailed report to be produced outlining what incentives Council can offer to the Anglican Archdiocese to provide a childcare centre or other community facility.”

Ms King said the site is too important for the community to lose.

“As a resident of the wider Lilyfield community, the site’s value to all is obvious,” she said. “I would like to see the landmark Church Hall preserved as a community facility, including the amenity of the beautiful grounds.”

The Anglican Church was unavailable for comment.