34-Storey Mixed-Use Tower Gets Green Light in Southern Chatswood

34-Storey Mixed-Use Tower Gets Green Light in Southern Chatswood

January 28, 2026

Architectural render of the proposed mixed-use tower at 691-699 Pacific Highway, Chatswood.

A 34-storey mixed-use tower in southern Chatswood has received planning approval, advancing the area’s shift toward high-density residential and commercial development. The project combines market and affordable housing with new retail and office space, helping to meet housing targets in one of Sydney’s most accessible locations.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approved the plan following an assessment by its Director of Key Sites and Transit-Oriented Development Assessments. The approval allows the project to proceed with conditions, including requirements for flood modelling, public space design, and long-term affordable housing management.

Project Overview

The site is located at 691-699 Pacific Highway, within the Willoughby Local Government Area. The $107 million development will include 101 apartments—75 for the private market and 26 affordable units. Bridge Housing will manage the affordable homes for at least 15 years.

The design includes a two-storey podium with 1,847 square metres of commercial space. An eight-level basement will offer 179 car parking spaces. Communal facilities include 502 square metres of shared open space, plus landscaped areas and deep soil zones to support greenery.

The building will rise to 117 metres and achieve a floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.8:1. This additional height and density were granted under the Housing SEPP, due to the inclusion of in-fill affordable housing.

Planning History

The project has a complex planning history. In June 2023, the developer lodged a concept application for a 27-storey building under existing planning controls. However, the Sydney North Planning Panel refused the proposal in 2024. The panel raised concerns about height and FSR breaches, site isolation, and excess parking.

The applicant appealed the decision in the Land and Environment Court. In February 2025, the Court approved a revised 26-storey version of the scheme. That concept included 89 apartments, basement car parking, communal facilities, and public pedestrian links.

Despite this approval, the developer pursued a new application under the State Significant Development pathway. This version took advantage of the Housing SEPP provisions to include affordable housing and gain further uplift. A condition of approval now requires the earlier consent to be surrendered to avoid conflict between the two schemes.

Design and Architectural Intent

Squillace Architects designed the tower, winning a Council-led design competition in 2023. The proposal was later refined through a Bridging Design Excellence Strategy, endorsed by the Government Architect NSW. The Design Integrity Panel also reviewed the updated plans and supported the final scheme.

The tower features a slender form above a low-rise podium. The ground level activates the street with commercial uses and a landscaped public interface. Articulated facades reduce bulk and add visual interest. Communal green spaces are provided on the podium and rooftop levels.

The building design aligns with the Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy 2036, which supports taller buildings in this part of the centre. The Department concluded the design achieves excellence and fits with the area’s future character.

Community and Stakeholder Response

During public exhibition, the Department received seven submissions. These included one objection from Willoughby City Council, two public objections, and four comments.

Concerns focused on traffic, parking, building height, amenity, and overdevelopment. Council raised additional issues including non-residential floor space shortfalls, sustainability, flooding, and site isolation.

Ten government agencies reviewed the proposal. Many focused on flooding, access, and infrastructure capacity.

Assessment Findings

The Department found the proposal acceptable across key planning areas. The height and FSR exceed standard controls, but are allowed under the Housing SEPP due to the inclusion of affordable housing. Although the project provides slightly less commercial space than required under the LEP, the Department accepted the variation. The shortfall was minor and consistent with the Housing SEPP’s intent.

Some building separation distances are below Apartment Design Guide standards. However, the Department found that facade treatments and potential redevelopment of nearby sites would maintain privacy and amenity.

While Council and the public raised concerns about parking and traffic, the project meets Housing SEPP minimums. The site’s proximity to Chatswood Transport Interchange also helps reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Flood risk was a key issue. The Department accepted the applicant’s modelling but imposed a deferred commencement condition. This requires more detailed studies to confirm that surrounding sites will not be affected by overland flows.

Other impacts, including overshadowing, noise, and heritage, were found to be minor or manageable through standard conditions.

Determination and Conditions

The Department approved the application with conditions. Key reasons for the approval included the delivery of affordable housing, consistency with local and state strategies, and design quality.

Conditions include a requirement to revise flood modelling before construction begins. The developer must also prepare detailed public space plans in consultation with Council. The existing Court-approved concept DA must be formally surrendered. Affordable housing must remain in place for 15 years and be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider. The developer is also required to contribute to both local and state infrastructure through planning levies.