A 35-storey mixed-use tower will bring housing and retail to Chatswood’s growing CBD. The application, lodged by LFD Chatswood Pty Ltd, has been classified as a State Significant Development (SSD-74439970) and is now open for public exhibition. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders have until Monday, 24 March 2025, to review the plans and submit their feedback.
What’s Proposed?
The development seeks approval for a high-density, mixed-use residential and commercial complex, aimed at contributing to the growing housing and employment needs within Chatswood’s evolving CBD precinct. The project includes:
- A two-storey non-residential podium, featuring retail and commercial spaces.
- A 33-storey residential tower, comprising 91 dwellings, including 24 affordable housing apartments.
- Six levels of basement parking, providing 121 car parking spaces.
- Communal open space, including a swimming pool, outdoor gym, and co-working areas.
- Associated landscaping and public domain works.
- Infrastructure upgrades, including a new substation.
Site Analysis: Location, Surroundings, and Context
The development site at 5-9 Gordon Avenue, Chatswood, covers 1,522 square metres and is located within the Willoughby Local Government Area (LGA). Positioned approximately 450m south of the Chatswood Transport Interchange, the site benefits from proximity to trains, metro services, and bus routes, ensuring strong public transport connectivity.
Surrounding Environment
The area surrounding the site is a mix of residential and commercial properties, with an evolving high-density urban character in response to Chatswood’s strategic growth objectives. Key site context features include:
- North: Adjacent to the Chatswood Bowling Club and greens, as well as a three-storey residential building at 655a Pacific Highway (Archbold Park).
- East: A 3-4 storey residential flat building at 1-3 Gordon Avenue, beyond which is a pedestrian and cycle link running parallel to the North Shore Railway Line. The South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area is further east.
- South: Across Gordon Avenue, there are three-storey residential flats, alongside two-storey commercial buildings used for car repairs that front the Pacific Highway.
- West: On the opposite side of Hammond Lane, a four-storey residential building at 641-653 Pacific Highway sits within a precinct transitioning towards high-rise development.
Strategic Planning and Growth Context
The site was rezoned from R3 Medium Density Residential to MU1 Mixed Use following the approval of Willoughby LEP Amendment No. 34. Under these new controls, the maximum building height increased from 12m to 90m, and the floor space ratio (FSR) was raised from 0.9:1 to 6:1, facilitating high-density development in line with the Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy 2036.
The project is classified as a State Significant Development (SSD) due to its capital investment value exceeding $75 million. As a result, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces is the consent authority, overseeing the assessment process.
Design Excellence and Architectural Vision
The proposed 35-storey mixed-use development at 5-9 Gordon Avenue, Chatswood was selected through a competitive design process, ensuring a high standard of architectural excellence. The winning design by FJC Studio (formerly FJMT Studio) was chosen for its thoughtful integration of residential and commercial spaces, connection to the surrounding urban environment, and strong sustainability principles.
The design competition featured three architectural firms, with FJC Studio emerging as the winning design team. The other two competing firms were:
- Koichi Takada Architects
- Rothelowman
Alternative designs by Koichi Takada Architects on the left, and Rothelowman on the right.
The competition jury, which included representatives from Government Architect NSW (GANSW), Willoughby City Council, and the developer, selected FJC Studio’s design for its strong response to the Chatswood context, high residential amenity, and sustainability-focused approach.
Key features of the design include:
- A dual-tower form, visually breaking down the building’s mass to improve natural light access and cross-ventilation.
- A brick façade, inspired by the local character of Chatswood, providing a sense of warmth and durability.
- Integrated greenery, with podium-level landscaping that contributes to urban cooling and biodiversity.
- Public domain activation, with a well-defined street frontage, retail spaces, and a pedestrian-friendly environment.
- Sustainability measures, including solar access optimization, passive ventilation strategies, and electric vehicle charging provisions.
The project underwent rigorous review by a Design Integrity Panel, which endorsed key design refinements to enhance architectural quality, residential amenity, and public realm engagement. The design maintains its commitment to excellence while incorporating affordable housing and commercial flexibility, aligning with Chatswood’s urban growth strategy.
Development Cost and Economic Contribution
The estimated development cost stands at $103.2 million (excluding GST), with the residential component valued at $93.7 million. The project is expected to generate:
- Over 1,200 jobs, including 452 direct construction jobs.
- New employment opportunities in commercial and retail spaces.
Project Team
A team of industry professionals is delivering the project across various disciplines:
- Developer: LFD Chatswood Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner: Mecone
- Architect: FJC Studio (formerly FJMT Studio)
- Landscape Architect: Sturt Noble Associates
- Traffic and Transport Consultants: Varga Traffic Planning
- Structural Engineers: EI Australia
- Environmental and Sustainability Consultants: Efficient Living
- Geotechnical and Groundwater Investigations: Douglas Partners
- Waste Management Consultants: Leigh Design
- Acoustic and Vibration Consultants: Resonate Consultants
- Flood Impact and Stormwater Management: S&G Consultants
- Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Report: Mitchell Brandtman
- Design Integrity Panel: Appointed by Government Architect NSW (GANSW).
How to Have Your Say
The public is invited to review the project documents and submit feedback via the NSW Planning Portal. Submissions must be lodged before 24 March 2025.
To participate:
- Visit the NSW Planning Portal: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects
- Search for SSD-74439970.
- Click on ‘Make a submission’.
- Log in or create a user account.
- Provide feedback, including whether you support or object to the proposal, and your reasons.
For more information, search SSD-74439970 on the Department of Planning’s website.
