‘Work from home’ twin tower development planned for Sydney town centre

A Sydney developer has released plans to create a twin tower development that would feature purpose-built ‘WFH’ apartments as part of a major development planned for a town centre site.

A Sydney developer known for transforming the Rhodes peninsula into a high-rise precinct has its sights set on the north shore as part of plans for a new skyscraper development that would feature purpose built ‘work from home’ apartments.

A $166.9 million development proposal has been released to amalgamate homes at 849 to 859 Pacific Hwy and 2 Wilson St in Chatswood into a twin tower development that would include 261 studios, units and apartments.

The proposal by Sydney developer Billbergia represents the latest high-rise project planned for Chatswood as the suburb’s development boom shows no sign of slowing.

Plans lodged with Willoughby Council show the towers would stand 28 and 24 storeys tall and include commercial space, a childcare centre, and two retail showrooms.

The development would involve the demolition of current homes at the site, currently comprising three and four storey unit buildings.

A concept photo of the development.

An aerial photo of the site.

Billbergia, which is known for developing a series of major towers in Rhodes over the last decade, stated the development would address housing demand on the lower north shore.

The proposal also includes “live / work” studio apartments to cater for the increasing number of Sydneysiders working from home in the post-Covid environment.

The studios are described as offering dedicated work / business spaces which are physically separated from everyday private living areas.

A concept image of the ground level of the development.

“The ability to operate a business out of the home has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for working professionals and entrepreneurs,” the plans stated.

“The live / work model responds to these recent changes to work patterns and reflects a prevailing desire for greater work flexibility.”

The proposal is the latest development plan for the Pacific Hwy site after the block of land was previously proposed to be turned into a 90m tower development in 2022.

The development would be located at the northern end of the Chatswood CBD.

Willoughby councillors previously opposed the development due to concerns it was “inconsistent” with local planning objectives.

The latest plans stated the project is in line with the Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy to 2036 which is supported by the Department of Planning and allowed height limits at the site to be increased from 24m to 90m.

Billbergia, in its plans, stated the development would address housing demand as well as creating ongoing retail and commercial jobs.

“The proposal delivers a contemporary, landmark building in the northwestern extent of the CBD that responds to council’s expectations for design excellence,” the plans stated.

“Future residents of the development benefit from excellent amenities with ready access to public transport, local services and facilities, and employment opportunities.”

Other features of the proposal include landscaping works and basement carparking with more than 300 parking spaces for bikes and cars.