The Minns Labor Government is transforming a former Sydney Metro construction site in Chatswood’s CBD into a supply of new homes, including Build to Rent apartments for essential workers.
This is the second site to be secured under the Minns Labor Government’s $450m investment in developer Landcom to deliver 400 Build to Rent homes for essential workers in Sydney, with 220 essential worker homes already being delivered in Annandale.
“This is a highly productive time for Landcom where we are sustaining strong momentum across our entire delivery program. Here at Chatswood, we are leading the development of a major city precinct to do density well and make homes happen.
“This is a great example of Landcom making the government’s policy ambitions a reality and bringing to life the kind of housing options our city needs.”
Alex Wendler, CEO, Landcom
Master planning of the site in Chatswood by the NSW Government’s developer Landcom shows that it could deliver up to 1,500 new homes alongside new shops and outdoor areas.
The draft masterplan includes the construction of 180 Build to Rent apartments that will be held in perpetuity and offered to essential workers such as health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.
“Essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW and they deserve to have an affordable place to live near their job and community. This will be life changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney.”
Chris Minns, Premier, New South Wales
Up to 1,300 further apartments both for market sale and dedicated to affordable housing, with a mix of apartment sizes catering for different lifestyles, new retail and commercial spaces, landscaped outdoor spaces with new pedestrian and cycling connections to the wider area will also be included.
“People should be able to live, work, relax and play all within one community. Delivering both 180 new essential worker homes and 1300 further market and affordable homes will give that opportunity and choice back hundreds of people. We’ve dedicated another 180 homes to essential workers in this project so workers like our teachers, nurses, paramedics and police offices can build a life close to both their home and job.
“This is yet another example of density done well, providing additional, homes and jobs in an area that’s already well serviced by public transport, shops, restaurants, schools and health centres.”
Paul Scully, Minister, Planning and Public Spaces
Moreover, Landcom are planning the adaptive re-use of local heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boarding school from 1906 to 1954, for future community use.
Within easy walking distance of public transport including Chatswood Metro station and multiple train stations, shops and restaurants and close to schools and health centres this new development will allow future residents to live, work and play in the one community.
“This is another fantastic example of the Minns Labor Government’s land audit delivering on the housing needs of our state in what will be a brilliant new development for our amazing essential workers.
“The audit has already delivered sites for about 9,000 new homes, but we’re not stopping there. Today’s announcement shows we are building more and better homes, done well and ideally located, for the people that need them.”
Steve Kamper, Minister, Lands and Property
Construction on the site is expected to start in late 2026, with the first essential workers expected to move in by late 2028. Landcom is inviting feedback on the proposal from the community and stakeholders until 9am on 27 October 2025.
“Our essential workers deserve a future in Sydney – a future that doesn’t involve commuting hours to get to work or the shops.
“We are delivering a better future for the next generation by embracing density where it makes sense, building more homes of all types, and locking in affordable housing from the start so that no one gets left behind.”
Rose Jackson, Minister, Housing and Homelessness
Work is also underway on new Build to Rent apartments on the NSW Southcoast and work is set to start later this year on new Build to Rent housing in Lismore to boost rental supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.
