First look: Developer group Equitbuild lodge plans for 12 storey tower at Neutral Bay

Developers have released plans to build the tallest building in a Sydney town centre, which would stand more than two times above the current height limit. Take a look at what’s planned.

A photo of the current site, and proposed development (right)

A prominent Neutral Bay site could be redeveloped into high-rise units amid ongoing community concern over contentious building height increases in the suburb.

Developer group Equitbuild has lodged plans to demolish three buildings at the corner of Military Rd and Rangers Rd to make way for a new apartment and commercial complex standing up to 12 storeys tall.

The development would have four levels of commercial space, a ground-floor community space and eight levels of units. Three buildings would have been demolished for the project, including a three-storey office block and two shops.

Plans show the development, located at 183-185 Military Rd, would stand 43m tall and involve more than doubling the existing 16m height limit.

The development would be located next to Woolworths Neutral Bay site, which is also earmarked for redevelopment under separate plans lodged to North Sydney Council.

A photo of the current site.

The Woolworths proposal has faced strong opposition from many residents due to concerns over the scope and scale of the development and overshadowing on surrounding homes.

North Sydney councillors previously objected to an increased height in the town centre by voting to rescind the contentious Military Rd Planning Study which proposed buildings up to 12 storeys tall on several key sites, including in Neutral Bay, in 2021.

A photo of the development site in Neutral Bay

Public consultation on the study showed just 12 per cent of residents surveyed by North Sydney Council supported the increased heights limits.

Equitbuild, in its plans for the Military Rd development, state the development would provide “urban renewal” for the site by modernising the “ageing” state of the current buildings.

“The site is located in the heart of Neutral Bay and is surrounded by a mix of long standing commercial, retail and residential land uses,” the plans state.

“The planning proposal will contribute to the future revitalisation of the Neutral Bay Town Centre envisioned by the council to maintain the much-loved village atmosphere of the Neutral Bay Town Centre. It will also support local jobs, local shops and housing opportunities.”

Four basement levels of carparking are included in the proposal, along with 200sq m of public outdoor space.

The proposal has been lodged to North Sydney Council and is currently under assessment.

The council is currently working on a revised Neutral Bay Town Centre Planning Study that is likely to support lower building height limits in the town centre.