Bridgestone Projects has filed new plans for twin 33-storey mixed-use towers near Westfield Chatswood, revising a previously rejected proposal to include increased residential capacity and in-fill affordable housing.
Bridgestone Projects initially submitted plans for a high-rise development on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, but the Sydney North Planning Panel refused the application in September 2024. The main issue cited was excessive basement car parking, which was included in the gross floor area (GFA) calculation.
The revised application (SSD-75408008), now on exhibition through the NSW Planning Portal, addresses these concerns while increasing the scale of the development.
The Proposed Development: Key Features
Bridgestone’s updated plans seek to replace two older three-storey apartment buildings and townhouses on a 2687sq m site at 44-52 Anderson Street. The Make and Turner-designed project consists of:
- A two-storey non-residential podium with commercial and retail spaces.
- Two residential towers with 123 apartments, including 36 affordable housing units.
- An eight-level basement with 296 car parking spaces.
- Communal open spaces, featuring a swimming pool, sauna, BBQ area, and a green spine between the towers, designed by Turf Design Studio.
- A pedestrian through-site link connecting Anderson Street and Cambridge Lane.
Planning Considerations and Chatswood’s Urban Growth
The proposed development aligns with the Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy 2026, which expands the CBD boundary northward to include the Bridgestone site. The project’s mixed-use nature supports urban densification while providing affordable housing options in a growing area.
Comparison with Other Recent Developments
Bridgestone’s revised proposal follows similar high-rise applications in Chatswood. Billbergia successfully overturned the rejection of its two-tower, 28-storey project on the Pacific Highway, which was initially filed in February 2024. Likewise, Willow Capital secured approval for its 26-storey tower after appealing Willoughby City Council’s initial refusal in the NSW Land and Environment Court in May 2024. These cases indicate a trend of developers successfully adjusting proposals to meet planning requirements and approval standards.
Community and Stakeholder Considerations
Public exhibition for the Bridgestone proposal runs from 31 January 2025 to 6 March 2025, allowing stakeholders and community members to provide feedback. The revised plan’s increased affordable housing component may improve public reception, addressing Sydney’s ongoing housing affordability challenges.
Next Steps and Project Timeline
As a State Significant Development, the proposal will undergo rigorous assessment before a final determination. If approved, Bridgestone Projects will proceed with detailed design, approvals, and eventual construction, contributing to Chatswood’s ongoing urban transformation.
Published 15-Feb-2025
