North Sydney Walker, Hampden St: Avenor high-rise development approved

Seven homes are set to be transformed into more than 250 units in the latest high-rise plans for the north shore after residents raised concerns over loss of views and impacts on property prices

The north shore skyline is set to continue rising with high-rise plans to turn seven homes into more than 250 units given the green light.

The Department of Planning has approved a $134 million proposal for a 29 storey tower at a sprawling development site spanning 173-179 Walker Street and 11-17 Hampden Street.

The skyscraper project, to be led by developer group Avenor, will see seven homes demolished to make way for 254 units along with landscaping works and 208 underground carparks.

The development will overlook the Warringah Freeway.

A concept plan of the development.

The approval comes after more than 130 submissions were lodged by residents with concerns centred on traffic congestion, parking and potential impacts on property values.

Plans also hit a hurdle from North Sydney Council due to concerns about “excessive height”, overshadowing and traffic impacts.

Avenor originally proposed a 24 storey building at the site but last year gained gateway approval for the 29 storey version after reducing the bulk of building along Walker St.

A concept plan of the tower.

The department found the proposal would “facilitate residential development in a strategically located position” and support up to 1136 jobs during construction periods.

Submissions from 139 residents were all opposed with 84 per cent of residents raising concerns over traffic impacts, 79 per cent lodging concerns over loss of views from surrounding apartments and 43 per cent flagging objections over building height.

Avenor said the project was in line with the high rise transformation of North Sydney and would create new homes near public transport and jobs.

These homes will be demolished for the project.

“The skyline of North Sydney is transforming, with a number of key factors contributing to the evolution of North Sydney as a strategic centre within the global economic corridor,” a company spokesman said.

“The proximity to public transport will provide for increased opportunities to live, work and play within the LGA through the provision of residential accommodation adjacent to key employment.”

The tower forms part of the Ward Street Precinct which was identified by North Sydney Council as an area for “urban renewal and transformation”.

The approval includes a voluntary planning agreement for 5 per cent of units – or 14 in total – to be offered at affordable rates and a $8.917 million cash contribution to North Sydney Council.