The Pyrmont Over Station Development has received official approval, marking a significant milestone in the Sydney Metro West project. The $171 million mixed-use tower will rise above Pyrmont Metro Station, delivering new housing, commercial spaces, and retail outlets in one of Sydney’s most well-connected precincts. The development aligns with government planning strategies, encourages sustainable urban growth, and enhances public transport integration. The approval follows extensive consultation and design refinements to ensure it meets the highest standards for urban planning, sustainability, and community benefit.
A Key Development for Pyrmont
The development will transform 37-69 Union Street into a modern mixed-use hub, bringing new homes, commercial opportunities, and public space improvements to the area. The 31-storey tower, reaching RL 120m, will integrate with the Sydney Metro West network, making it a leading example of transit-oriented development. The project’s gross floor area totals 23,463 square metres, carefully allocated across residential, commercial, and retail uses.
The residential component will feature 160 apartments across 16,198 square metres. These homes will cater to professionals, families, and downsizers, offering direct metro access that allows for shorter commutes and a walkable urban lifestyle. Each apartment is designed for modern city living, with high-quality finishes, natural light, and energy-efficient features. The project’s location enables residents to connect easily to the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, and other key hubs.
The commercial space, spanning 5,241 square metres, will attract businesses, co-working offices, and professional services. Pyrmont has already established itself as a business hub, and this project will further strengthen its position by offering state-of-the-art office spaces with seamless metro access. With improved transport links, businesses will have greater access to clients, employees, and other key precincts across Sydney.
A further 2,024 square metres of retail space will activate Pyrmont’s street level, creating a lively retail and dining precinct. The development will introduce cafés, restaurants, boutique stores, and essential services, designed to attract both locals and visitors. The mix of retail and dining options will contribute to Pyrmont’s reputation as a vibrant lifestyle precinct, supporting the local economy while enhancing convenience for residents and workers.
Artist impression by Woods Bagot
Why the Development Was Approved
The Pyrmont Over Station Development was approved because it aligns with Sydney’s long-term planning strategies, supports higher-density living in transport-connected areas, and contributes to housing affordability and economic growth.
The Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy identifies the site as ideal for increased density due to its proximity to public transport and commercial centres. The project meets floor space ratio and height standards, ensuring it complies with urban planning goals. It also contributes to the City of Sydney Affordable Housing Program, allocating 3% of its total floor area to affordable housing. This ensures a diverse housing mix, providing options for low- and middle-income residents.
One of the key factors in its approval was its direct integration with Sydney Metro West. Pyrmont Metro Station will provide fast and frequent transport services, reducing reliance on private vehicles. By offering limited parking and prioritising public transport, the development aligns with government policies that encourage sustainable commuting and walkability.
The project underwent rigorous height, density, and environmental impact reviews. Shadow and wind impact studies confirmed that the tower would minimise overshadowing on public spaces and nearby properties, including Elizabeth Healey Reserve. A Design Excellence Strategy will guide the final development phase, requiring competitive tenders and expert reviews to ensure a high-quality architectural outcome.
Community Consultation and Responses
The project underwent public exhibition and consultation, receiving 32 submissions. These included 16 objections, 11 supporting responses, and five neutral comments.
Key concerns included building height, overshadowing, traffic congestion, and potential loss of views. Sydney Metro addressed these issues through additional planning reviews and environmental assessments.
Overshadowing studies confirmed that impacts on Elizabeth Healey Reserve and nearby properties remain within acceptable planning limits. Traffic experts reviewed transport patterns, confirming that the project’s low parking provision will not contribute to increased congestion. Height and scale adjustments ensure that Pyrmont’s skyline and heritage character remain intact.
Further engagement with stakeholders, including the City of Sydney Council, helped refine public domain enhancements such as wider footpaths and improved pedestrian infrastructure.
Artist impression by Woods Bagot
A Collaborative Project Team
A team of leading consultants and specialists ensured that the Pyrmont Over Station Development meets high standards for design, sustainability, and urban integration. The project team includes:
- Developer & Applicant: Sydney Metro
- Urban Planning & Environmental Assessment: Urbis
- Built Form & Urban Design: Woods Bagot
- Transport & Traffic Consulting: Arup
- Engineering & Structural Design: Aurecon
- Acoustic & Noise Consulting: SLR Consulting
- Wind Impact Assessment: Windtech
- Sustainability & ESD Strategy: WSP
- Flooding & Stormwater Management: Cardno (now Stantec)
- Heritage & Archaeology: GML Heritage
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Elton Consulting
- Legal & Planning Advisory: Allens
This collaborative team played a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting impact assessments, and addressing stakeholder concerns. Their expertise helped shape a well-integrated, future-ready development.
Next Steps for the Development
With concept approval granted, the next phase involves detailed development applications to refine architectural details, sustainability measures, and construction timelines. The project will undergo further design reviews under the Design Excellence Strategy, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
The construction timeline aligns with Sydney Metro West’s opening in 2032. Once complete, the development will provide new homes, business opportunities, and retail spaces, supporting Sydney’s urban growth and transport integration goals.
For more details, visit the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/pyrmont-metro-osd-residential-tower.
