It’s a long way to the top of the tower replacing AC/DC family home

It will be a long way to the top of the tower being proposed to replace the former family home of the rock’n’roll legends behind AC/DC.

The land cleared in December at the former home of Angus and Malcolm Young, 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood, will form part of the footprint of a proposed 38-storey tower featuring a hotel, commercial offices and 48 two-bedroom residential flats. The demolition prompted outrage from AC/DC fans and has led Burwood Council to consider alternative tributes to the band.

Identified as a state-significant development with residences worth at least $75 million, 2-4 Burleigh Street and 20-24 Railway Parade would also feature infill affordable housing, allowing it to be fast-tracked under new planning laws.

Plans for the tower are not yet on public display. The scoping report reveals the developer is proposing a 120-room hotel with function spaces, gym and pools, plus a hotel restaurant on level 36 and a bar with outdoor seating on level 37. Residents of the level 38 penthouse would also have access to communal open space and a swimming pool.

The tower, topping out at 143.9 metres, would take advantage of a 30 per cent height bonus permitted under the State Environmental Planning Policy as more than 15 per cent (1788 square metres) of the gross floor area is set aside for affordable housing.

A Burwood Council source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment on the proposal publicly, said staff had significant concerns about the development.

Affordable housing is one of the key planks in the state government’s planning reforms, designed to build 378,000 homes by July 2029 under the National Housing Accord.

As it was: 4 Burleigh Street, Burwood.Credit: Tom Compagnoni

The demolished three-bedroom house has been described as the birthplace of AC/DC as the Young brothers, Angus on lead guitar and Malcolm rhythm, were raised there and attended Burwood Public School and Ashfield Boys High School.

Older brother George was a founding member of The Easybeats and the songwriter behind Friday on My Mind and Love is in the Air.

More recently, the former Young family house was used as a medical practice. Other single-storey buildings making way for the tower included a tutoring business and a hearing clinic.

Burwood Council has described the Young family as the “ultimate migrant success story”, having arrived in Sydney from Glasgow in 1963.

The family’s connection to the area was highlighted last year in events marking the council’s 150th anniversary, including the creation of a mural in Burleigh Street in April in consultation with Angus Young, and a medley of AC/DC songs performed at a street party by a 300-strong choir.

The house featured in the council’s promotional material before June’s 150th anniversary but was demolished in December with no warning for AC/DC fans.

The project’s general manager, Leon Kmita, said in a statement at the time that the developers were unaware of the site’s cultural significance when the demolition occurred and the realisation came as a shock.

“While we cannot change the past, we are dedicated to celebrating this significant part of their story,” he said.

“We are now salvaging materials from the demolition to create a special space, such as a cafe, bar, or live music venue, where fans can gather to celebrate the band’s enduring legacy.”

Burwood Mayor John Faker said the council was considering other tributes to the band including another mural on a row of heritage-listed terraces on Burleigh Street; a bronze statue of members; and naming a future $50 million arts and cultural centre after the group.

Faker has written to Premier Chris Minns asking the government to consider a contribution to help build the statue, at a predicted cost of $1 million, in Railway Square.

“While it’s disappointing [the council] didn’t have money to buy the house and turn it into a museum, it shouldn’t just be about a house. There are other things we will do to recognise their contribution: a statue, a mural, and naming the theatre after them,” Faker said.

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