Central Element Files Plans for $150m Chatswood Tower

Central Element has filed a development application for its 17-storey, $150-million mixed-use tower in Chatswood after it won proposal approval recently.

It will be the first new apartment development in the area in four years as the region takes shape under a new planning review. 

The MaxCap-backed project would demolish two low-rise buildings to make way for 49 apartments with two set aside for affordable housing and 25 adaptable apartments. 

SJB Architecture tipped out the other contenders in the design competition with its “ecologically sustainable tower development” that is targeting a 4 Star Green Star rating for the 1213sq m site at 753 Pacific Highway at Chatswood. 

The plans have been scaled back from 55 to 49 apartments atop a two to four storey podium comprising about 1200sq m of retail and commercial space. 

Central Element managing director Nathan Chivas said a development application had been lodged with the Willoughby Council after approval of the planning proposal. 

“Ethos will be offering close proximity to the thriving Chatswood CBD, benefiting from uninterrupted views of Sydney and beyond to the Blue Mountains,” Chivas said.

“We’re also excited to be leading the revitalisation of residential living in Chatswood, with Ethos being the first offering of new apartment product in the area in the last four years. 

“We’ve worked closely with the state government and Willoughby City Council throughout all stages of planning to ensure our development facilitates future growth and employment, achieves exceptional design, and contributes to a distinctive, resilient and vibrant CBD in Chatswood.”

▲ The SJB Architecture-designed tower will include affordable and adaptable apartments as part of the one, two and three-bedroom mix.

The tower will also include a sky lounge for family gatherings with an open terrace on the rooftop and a resident-only wellness centre.

SJB director Adam Haddow said the scheme for the development created a sculptural facade and helped to provide a transition from the high-density Chatswood town centre to the low-density residential area to the south.

The Chatswood CBD Plan is aimed at boosting jobs and dwellings in Sydney’s seventh-largest town centre. 

A sales campaign for the development will start soon and the tower is expected to be completed in 2024, subject to development approval.