Billbergia’s 28-storey dual-tower project at Sydney’s Willoughby, its first to experiment with the live-work model, has been approved on appeal.
The developer proposed planned a towers atop a four-storey podium for its site at Chatswood, submitting plans to the council in February of 2024.
It planned the scheme for 2-8 Wilson Street, 849-859 Pacific Highway and O’Brien Street, now the site of midrise apartment buildings, 550m from the Chatswood train and metro station.
The project will have retail showrooms on the ground floors and comprise a total of 251 apartments.
The mix of units also provides for live/work units, also known as SOHO (Small Office, Home Office), 10 in the podium and another 14 in the towers above.
Developers are dabbling with the live/work concept and Billbergia’s application highlights the growing trend in Australia, allowing for greater work flexibility.
At the time of launching the project in 2023, Billbergia called it an “emerging revenue strategy”.
Level 2 would also include a childcare centre and communal open spaces including gyms, swimming pools, spas and a music room. PBD Architects designed the project, which was subject to a design competition.
After the council did not determine the proposal on time Billbergia took its case to the Land and Environment Court.
Conciliation conferences prior to the court hearing were in Billbergia’s favour and after the developer amended the DA to meet the Housing SEPP with regards to design and sustainability, Billbergia’s appeal was upheld by the court.
