Burwood: Locals divided over 39-storey building proposal at site of AC/DC home on Burleigh St

Residents of an “overdeveloped” Sydney suburb have blasted a proposal to build a 39-storey tower which used to be home of legendary Aussie rock band AC/DC.

There have been more than 20 objections to plans for a 39-storey tower at the former AC/DC home site.

Residents of an “overdeveloped” Sydney suburb have blasted a proposal to build a tower where legendary Aussie rock band AC/DC was formed.

Plans lodged to the state government by the NSW Housing Corporation outline a 39-storey building at 2-4 Burleigh St and 20-24 Railway Pde, Burwood.

The site was once home to a humble, semi-detached house at 4 Burleigh St, which was where AC/DC was formed.

However, fans were left thunderstruck in December 2024 when the house was mistakenly bulldozed.

Once this T.N.T-level mistake was discovered, the project’s developer issued an apology stating the previous owners didn’t mention the home’s connection to brothers Malcolm, Angus and George Young.

An artist impression of the proposed mixed use housing in Burwood. Picture: NSW Government

A planning report states the new building will be a mixture of a hotel, commercial office premises and residential apartments.

More than 20 local residents have objected to the proposal – with 10 in support – with one objector stating Burwood was “already (an) overdeveloped suburb”.

An AC/DC mural off Burleigh St at Burwood, where Angus, George and Malcolm Young grew up.

Angus Young of recently performing in Detroit, Michigan. Picture: Scott Legato/Getty Images

“The trains are already crowded with the limited rush hour trains and high population density. Further development will exacerbate these issues,” the resident wrote.

“The proposed parking within the new 39 storey building will also be insufficient causing overflow onto the streets where there is already an issue with illegal parking because of the lack of available parking for residents and visitors.”

The hotel, which would be occupying the first three floors, will have a maximum of 120 rooms with a lobby, cafe, function rooms, outdoor space, gym, and a restaurant with outdoor dining.

Only 48 apartments have been set aside for residential use, with 18 to become affordable housing.

AC/DC band members and brothers Malcolm, Angus and George Young lived in a home at Burleigh St Burwood which has now been bulldozed for a mixed-use tower.

Plans reveal the first three floors will be for the hotel. Picture: NSW Government

The planning report states those who would live in the residential apartments will have an entrance and lobby separated from the hotel.

There are also plans for 138 parking spaces, with 88 set for residential, two visitor spaces, 42 for the hotel and six for the commercial premises.

One of the key objectives of the plan is for the proposed 39-storey building to not have any “adverse impacts on the amenity of the community, in particular surrounding properties”.

Another local resident against the plans pointed out there was “clear correlation and research that affordable housing is related to increase in crime rate”.

“Especially in terms of assaults, have a look in the newspaper for the recent gang attack on people of Asian decent in Eastgardens,” they said.

Those in support of the project say it will help with the current housing crisis.

“In a time when housing affordability is a critical issue for many communities, this project addresses the need for well-designed, cost-effective housing options for low- and moderate-income families,” a submissions read.

The project had closed for public exhibition and is currently under review to respond to the submissions.