St Leonards, Crows Nest development plans for towers of apartments
A specially-compiled map of high-rise plans at St Leonards and Crows Nest shows how towers — including one of 65-storeys — will transform the area to one likened to Hong Kong.
- Health Hub planned at St Leonards
- Protesters rally against building plans
- Train station towers under fire
A specially-compiled map of high-rise plans at St Leonards and Crows Nest shows how towers — including one of 65-storeys — will transform the area to one likened to Hong Kong.
The NewsLocal analysis is based on major planning proposals (rezonings) and development applications for the St Leonards-Crows Nest priority precinct.
The state government is encouraging developers to put forward tower plans that can provide homes and jobs around the Sydney Metro train station being built at Crows Nest.
There would be 11,250 more people and 7525 more homes in the area by 2036, as part of the government’s efforts.
Property developer Stockland has the most ambitious plans.
It wants to demolish the IBM building on the Pacific Highway at St Leonards, and build 65 and 50-storey towers in its place. These would provide 516 homes.
Some residents are horrified by the scale of the proposed change.
Genia McCaffery, from residents group `Overdevelopment — We’re Over It’, was among them.
“It’s the NSW government that’s facilitating the developer feeding frenzy,” she said.
“(The government) is breaking the social contract it has with the community by ignoring what we want.”
The group says the plans are more akin to Hong Kong than Sydney.
A Department of Planning spokeswoman said its draft St Leonards-Crows Nest 2036 plan proposed more open space. This included a foreshore to foreshore link between River Rd and the Pacific Highway, and the expansion of Hume Street Park.
Developers would contribute to the cost of infrastructure, including intersection improvements, pedestrian and cycle paths.
The spokeswoman said funding has been allocated in the state budget for a new primary school and high school in St Leonards.
The projects in detail
1. Crows Nest Metro station towers
477 — 495, 497- 543 Pacific Highway and 14 Clarke Street
The State Government believes the Sydney Metro station planned for Crows Nest is a great place for four towers.
Two of these would be 27-storeys, and be residential (350 homes).
There would be a 17-storey hotel, and an eight-storey office building.
The government claims these would provide a great economic boost, while residents argue they will result in congestion.
The towers have yet to be approved. The underground station is due to open by 2024.
2. ‘St Leonards Square’
472-494 Pacific Highway
Developer Mirvac is overseeing the construction of two towers, which will be 27 and 35-storeys, and provide 525 homes.
The towers stand next to another construction site, for The Landmark complex, which makes this a busy strip.
St Leonards Square is due to be completed by the end of the year.
3. 575-583 Pacific Highway
This 18-storey proposal would retain the curved facade, which dates back to the `Marco’ menswear factory which traded during the mid-20th century.
There would be 82 homes.
The plans were publicly exhibited and feedback collected last year.
The proposal is yet to be approved.
4. 617-621 Pacific Highway
This site is next to the IBM site, and has printing business Kwik Kopy at its ground floor. The site has been rezoned for a 50-storey tower.
The lower six storeys would comprise shops and offices, while 195 homes would be above.
North Sydney Council has accepted the developer’s offer to provide two storeys for an arts centre.
5. 601 Pacific Highway
Developer Stockland wants to build what would be the tallest tower of the St Leonards-Crows Nest area — a 64-storey one.
A 46-storey tower would stand next to it.
These two structures would provide 516 homes. Stockland only filed its plans with the state government in December last year, so a decision is not expected soon.
A spokeswoman for Stockland said it was seeking a zoning change that would allow a variety of land uses and revised development standards.
The Department of Planning is reviewing the proposal.
The Stockland spokeswoman said this was the first step.
6. ‘The Landmark’
500-520 Pacific Highway
It is hard to miss the construction going on at The Landmark.
It is next to another construction site, St Leonards Square, which makes this a busy strip.
The 43-storey Landmark will stand at the centre of the precinct, and provide 495 homes.
The lower levels will have offices.
7. 100 Christie St
Developer Deicorp is planning to demolish the 11-storey office building that stands at this address and replace it with a 36-storey tower.
Deicorp is offering to improve Christie Street Reserve, as well as the neighbouring Sergeants Lane and Chandos St, as part of the project.
Its tower would have 245 homes. The plans are still to be approved.
8. ‘Eighty Eight’
88 Christie St
Developer JQZ is building three towers: two residential (26 and 47-storeys) and one commercial (14-storeys).
The residential towers would provide 654 homes.
The property will include a public library.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2023.
9. ‘Embassy’
25 Marshall Ave
The recently-completed Embassy tower is an example of the type of buildings that will become more prevalent in the area.
The 29-storeys tower has 219 homes.
Former psychologist hit with fresh child abuse material charge
A psychologist who is accused of sexually touching a child over a dozen times has now been charged with possessing child abuse material.
Grand surprise behind Federation facade
A classic Federation facade hides a pleasant surprise — beyond the double front doors, the century-old home has been transformed into a designer residence.