The planning report by urban solutions company Ethos Urban proposes the delivery of a $209m, 43-storey development with Build to Rent homes, key worker housing units, serviced apartment accommodation and retail at the St Leonards Telstra exchange site.
Developer Home would build and manage the Build to Rent development and will provide a holistic resident experience, alongside the opportunity for residents to personalise their homes.
Designed by DKO Architecture, proposals include the delivery of 21,472m2 of Build to Rent housing across 34 storeys, which will include 272 homes, 3,840m2 of non-residential space within an eight-storey podium including ground level retail and short term accommodation, 721m2 of key worker housing across one level, within the podium, delivering a total ten dwellings to be managed as part of the Build to Rent development, and 2,014m2 of amenity space throughout the building.
Podium car parking and loading area with access via Christie Street – comprising a 48-space car stacker – is also proposed. If approved, the development could support 250 construction jobs and a further 40 ongoing roles.
“Engaging with the community is essential to shaping an area’s future and making sure projects bring tangible benefits. This development could provide more housing options, foster diversity, and enhance housing affordability. It proposes new homes only six kilometres from the Sydney CBD that are close to public transport, including the forthcoming Sydney Metro station in Crows Nest.
“Build to Rent developments can address the growing need for more rental accommodation and offer stability, security, and relief to renters. In line with the Department’s priorities to accelerate the delivery of homes, the rezoning and development application for this project are being considered at the same time.”
Monica Gibson, NSW Planning Land Use Strategy & Housing Deputy Secretary
Located at 524 – 542 Pacific Highway St Leonards, NSW, the site is 6km and 2km north of Sydney CBD and North Sydney, 5km south of Chatswood, and 10km west of Macquarie Park. The Lower North Shore is a significant transport and housing hub that provides a significant amount of housing and employment.
The state-led rezoning of the Telstra exchange site in St Leonards proposes to facilitate the renewal of an underutilised parcel of land at a critical location in St Leonards – at the corner of Pacific Highway and Christie Street. There are no changes proposed to the operation of the existing Telstra exchange building and telecommunication infrastructure within it.
The St Leonards precinct was once a fine grain local centre, which has evolved into a large scale, high density, and mixed-use centre.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released draft plans for a state-led rezoning and State Significant Development (SSD) proposal in St Leonards, now on exhibition for community feedback.
Documents include the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the SSD and an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the state-led rezoning. Community feedback is being accepted until 26 February 2024.
