A mixed-use development at 57-61 Archer Street and 34 Albert Avenue, Chatswood, is now open for public feedback. Chatswood Property Pty Ltd has submitted the proposal as a State Significant Development (SSD) under the In-fill Affordable Housing category. The public exhibition period runs from 9 January 2025 to 7 February 2025, giving the community an opportunity to share their input.
The development aims to introduce high-density residential apartments, affordable housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities into the Chatswood CBD. It aligns with the objectives of the updated Willoughby Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012 and Willoughby Development Control Plan (DCP), which support sustainable urban growth.
Overview of the Proposed Development
This project includes two key elements:
- Residential and Commercial Tower: A 90-metre tower on Archer Street will feature 109 residential apartments, with 10% allocated for affordable housing. It will also include ground-floor commercial spaces to support local businesses.
- Heritage Integration: The heritage-listed Victorian house at 34 Albert Avenue will be restored and adapted for use as a community or cultural space.
In addition, the proposal incorporates public green spaces, such as a pocket park, and prioritises pedestrian pathways to improve connectivity. With its location close to Chatswood’s transport hub and retail precinct, the site offers strong accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Planning Context and Objectives
The redevelopment complies with the updated Willoughby LEP, which rezoned the site for mixed-use development and introduced affordable housing provisions. Consequently, the proposal must meet specific benchmarks:
- Floor Space Ratio (FSR): 5:1
- Building Heights: 90 metres for the Archer Street tower and 23 metres for the Albert Avenue structure
- Affordable Housing Contribution: 10% of total residential units
- Green Infrastructure: This includes green roofs, landscaping, and water-sensitive urban design features.
The design is expected to achieve planning objectives such as delivering high-quality architecture, activating street-level spaces, and integrating heritage elements with contemporary uses.
Design Excellence through Competitive Process
Coronation Property organised an invited architectural design competition to comply with Willoughby City Council’s Design Excellence Policy. Three architectural firms—Woods Bagot, Fender Katsalidis, and PBD Architects—submitted proposals.
Photomontages of the three proposed design concepts as part of the design excellence competition. (Left Image: Woods Bagot, Centre Image: PBD Architects, Right Image: Fender Katsalidis)
Following an in-depth review, a multidisciplinary jury selected Woods Bagot’s design as the winner. The jury commended its innovative approach and its thoughtful integration of heritage and urban connectivity.
Key Features of the Winning Design
- Tower Design: The 90-metre tower features horizontal bands that create varied floorplates, along with a landscaped rooftop terrace for communal use.
- Heritage Adaptation: The Victorian house will undergo restoration and will serve as a community hub. Landscaping will connect the heritage building with the modern design elements.
- Public Green Spaces: The proposal includes a pocket park on the southeast corner and pedestrian pathways designed to enhance site access and usability.
- Sustainability Measures: Environmental features, such as double-glazed windows, rainwater harvesting systems, and passive solar shading, aim to achieve Green Star certification.
- Urban Connectivity: Ground-floor commercial spaces and improved pathways aim to encourage street-level activity and accessibility.
Development Challenges and Refinements
During the design competition, the jury recommended several refinements to improve the proposal:
- Enhanced Ventilation: Apartment layouts require adjustments to improve natural airflow, in line with the Apartment Design Guide (ADG).
- Increased Lift Capacity: Adding more lifts is necessary to accommodate residents in the 90-metre tower.
- Improved Landscape Strategy: Increasing tree canopy coverage and refining green infrastructure will help align the development with planning objectives.
Coronation Property has committed to addressing these recommendations in the next phase of design development.
Photomontage of the current design by Woods Bagot
Community Benefits and Impacts
The project is designed to provide various benefits to the Chatswood community:
- Affordable Housing: By allocating 10% of apartments for affordable housing, the project contributes to local housing goals.
- Economic Opportunities: New commercial spaces are expected to attract businesses and create jobs.
- Heritage Preservation: Restoring the Victorian house will maintain its historical significance while adapting it for community use.
- Public Amenities: Proposed features, including the pocket park and pedestrian pathways, aim to enhance the functionality and accessibility of outdoor spaces.
To manage potential impacts, such as construction disruptions and changes to traffic patterns, mitigation strategies have been outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Project Team and Roles
An experienced team of professionals is collaborating on the development:
- Developer: Chatswood Property Pty Ltd
- Lead Architect: Woods Bagot
- Urban Planner: Mecone Pty Ltd
- Traffic Consultant: Stantec Australia
- Environmental Consultant: IGS
- Heritage Consultant: NBRS
- Structural Engineer: WT Partnership
For more information, and to leave feedback, search the application number SSD-72891212 on the Department of Planning’s website at NSW Major Projects.
