Fabcot Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Woolworths Group, has submitted a Development Application (DA) for a major mixed-use development at 923–935 Bourke Street, Waterloo. Lodged on 8 January 2025, the proposal, D/2024/1208, is open for public exhibition until 17 February 2025. With an estimated cost of $165.86 million, the project aims to revitalise the site by creating a vibrant community hub. The plans include residential apartments, retail spaces, a Woolworths supermarket, and landscaped public domains. Moreover, the development seeks to align with the City of Sydney’s broader urban renewal strategy for Waterloo.
Artist impression of the final design by Bates Smart
Key Features of the Development
Residential Apartments
The residential component includes 110 apartments designed to cater to diverse household needs. These range from one-bedroom units for singles and couples to larger three-bedroom options suitable for families. In addition to providing variety, the development integrates affordable housing to address inclusivity and housing demand in the area. Residents will also enjoy shared amenities, including landscaped courtyards and rooftop gardens. These features aim to foster a sense of community and provide a high standard of living.
Retail and Commercial Spaces
Retail and commercial facilities will cover 6,850 square metres, forming a cornerstone of the project’s design. At the heart of this is a full-line Woolworths supermarket, which will anchor the precinct and provide convenient grocery options for residents and visitors. Alongside the supermarket, specialty retail stores will activate the street frontages, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. Furthermore, over 2,000 square metres of commercial office space will be included, offering modern workplaces to support local businesses and employment.
Public Spaces and Accessibility
Public domain improvements are central to the proposal. A landscaped public plaza will provide a communal space for social gatherings, while pedestrian pathways will connect Bourke, Young, and McEvoy Streets, improving accessibility. The design emphasises greenery, with the retention of mature trees to enhance biodiversity and provide shade. These carefully planned features reflect the project’s commitment to sustainability and urban liveability.
Parking and Transport
To support its mixed-use nature, the development incorporates 224 parking spaces across two basement levels. These will accommodate residents, visitors, and retail customers. Moreover, the project includes electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated spaces for bicycles and motorcycles, reflecting a focus on sustainable transport. A Direct-to-Boot service for supermarket shoppers will add an extra layer of convenience.
Achieving Design Excellence
A Rigorous Competitive Process
To ensure the best outcome for this landmark site, the project underwent a rigorous competitive design process mandated by the City of Sydney’s Design Excellence Policy. This process encouraged innovation and ensured that the development would meet the highest architectural and urban design standards. Four renowned architectural firms—Bates Smart, Furtado Sullivan, Koichi Takada Architects, and SJB—were invited to participate in the competition. Each firm submitted detailed concepts that addressed the challenges of the site, including its tree protection zones, mixed-use functionality, and integration with the surrounding urban fabric.
The proposals were evaluated by a panel of experts based on criteria such as sustainability, connectivity, architectural quality, and how well they enhanced public amenity. After careful deliberation, Bates Smart was unanimously selected as the winner for its innovative and thoughtful approach to design.
Why Bates Smart Was Chosen
Bates Smart’s proposal was unanimously selected for its innovative and thoughtful approach. The design excels in balancing public and private spaces, with particular attention to environmental and community needs. The residential buildings’ L-shaped configuration maximises natural light and ventilation, ensuring comfort for residents. Additionally, the design retains mature trees, blending greenery with modern architecture and creating a harmonious streetscape. A central plaza and through-site pedestrian links further enhance connectivity, making the development accessible and inviting. Finally, the prominent commercial building at the corner of Bourke and McEvoy Streets serves as both a visual landmark and an active retail hub.
Bates Smart’s approach effectively addresses the site’s challenges, including its mixed-use requirements and environmental constraints, while delivering a vibrant urban precinct. The design exemplifies the City of Sydney’s commitment to achieving design excellence.
Strategic and Community Benefits
Addressing Housing Needs
The inclusion of affordable housing ensures that the project aligns with the City of Sydney’s Local Housing Strategy. By providing diverse housing options, the development caters to a wide range of residents, addressing the growing demand in the area.
Supporting Economic Growth
With its retail and commercial components, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and attract visitors. The supermarket, specialty stores, and office spaces will stimulate economic activity and enhance the local economy.
Focusing on Sustainability
Sustainability is a core focus of the development. Solar panels and energy-efficient materials will help minimise energy consumption, while rainwater harvesting systems will support irrigation and water conservation. The retention of mature trees further highlights the project’s commitment to promoting ecological balance and reducing its environmental footprint.
Enhancing Public Spaces
The carefully designed public plaza and landscaped areas create inviting spaces for residents and visitors. Pedestrian-friendly pathways and shaded seating make these spaces accessible and functional, encouraging social interaction and community engagement.
Next Steps and Timeline
The Development Application is open for public feedback until 17 February 2025. During this period, community members can submit their comments through the City of Sydney’s website. Pending approval, the project will move forward into the construction phase, transforming the vision into reality and delivering a significant contribution to Waterloo’s urban renewal.
Project Team
This ambitious project brings together a multidisciplinary team of industry experts:
- Developer: Fabcot Pty Ltd (Woolworths Group).
- Architect: Bates Smart.
- Urban Planning: Ethos Urban.
- Landscape Design: Oculus.
- Engineering and Sustainability: Van Der Meer, E-Lab.
- Traffic and Transport: JMT Consulting.
- Specialist Consultants: Glenn Birds Consulting (Arborist), Weir Phillips (Heritage).
Learn More
To find out more about the proposal or to provide feedback, search D/2024/1208 on the City of Sydney’s website.
