Shadows Lift as ‘Nightmare’ Chatswood Site Recast

Once branded the “Nightmare on Anderson Street”, a controversial Sydney Lower North Shore site is back in focus thanks to a $311-million twin-tower proposal.

On public exhibition until June 19, the latest plans—filed as a State Significant Development—follow a council-run design competition won by Carter Williamson Architects.

The 4445sq m site at 38-42 Anderson Street, 3 McIntosh Street and 2 Day Street, Chatswood, was the subject of a failed $184.5-million proposal in 2021 that drew fierce community opposition.

A resident petition at the time warned the “nightmare” tower would overshadow nearby homes and “make McIntosh Street completely dark, unliveable and overcrowded”. 

This application, submitted by entities linked to the Vakili family, did not progress.

The same developer has returned with a reworked scheme and new design team.

The previous proposal, known as The Aeon, featured 27 and 18-storey towers and was one of several landholdings the Vakili family had assembled across Chatswood, Crows Nest and Hornsby.

Carter Williamson, and landscape architect Land and Form, were selected as winners of the Willoughby Council design excellence competition for a scheme that had “the most potential to achieve design excellence and satisfy the requirements of Clause 6.23 of the LEP”. 

▲ Renderings of the proposed twin towers designed by Carter Williamson.

The competition jury backed a version of plans that included added floor space under the Housing SEPP uplift, noting the extra height improved the towers’ proportions without causing unreasonable impacts beyond the site.

Lodged by Aeon Residence Chatswood, the proposal—now called The Angophora—includes residential towers of 33 and 23 storeys above a three-storey commercial podium. 

Of the 258 apartments, 56 would be affordable housing managed by Bridge Housing for the required minimum of 15 years. 

The broader residential mix comprises 24 one-bedroom, 106 two-bedroom, 121 three-bedroom and 7 four-bedroom apartments.

A seven-level basement would provide 494 car spaces and 73 bicycle bays. 

Communal open space would total 1865sq m, with an additional 726sq m of deep soil planting.

The towers would be positioned on opposite sides of the site, stepping back from low-scale residential neighbours. 

▲ Street-level renderings show the proposed arched podium design and landscaped public plaza of the Chatswood twin-tower development.

The eastern tower would reach the permitted height of 117m, while the western tower would be about 30m below that limit. 

In its Environmental Impact Statement, the developer said the separation of the towers and stepped building heights were designed to reduce overshadowing impacts on neighbouring properties, with the most sensitive boundaries kept clear during key daylight hours.

Bridge Housing said the project would help meet demand for affordable rental options in the area, describing it as a contribution to the “urgent need for diverse housing options for families and key workers” in the Willoughby LGA. 

According to property records, Unit 3 of 3 McIntosh Street sold for $1.5 million in December of 2019, as listed on realestate.com.au, while Unit 2 of 2 Day Street sold for $3.5 million in October, 2023, according to Allhomes. The 38 Anderson Street property was previously marketed on Development Ready as a tenanted investment with development potential.

Formerly known as 4 of 28 Anderson Pty Ltd, the developer changed its name to Aeon Residence Chatswood Pty Ltd on May 1, 2020, according to the Australian Business Register.

▲ Rendering of the proposed podium fronting Anderson Street.

Chatswood continues to attract major investment as several nearby proposals move through the pipeline.

Coronation Property is behind plans for a $250-million, 32-storey tower with 150 apartments and 2800sq m of retail at 57-61 Archer Street. 

Novus’s plans for a $163-million, 46-storey shoptop build-to-rent project, dubbed Novus on Victoria, at 410-416 Victoria Avenue are on public exhibition.

And Billbergia filed plans this year for a 28-storey dual-tower development for 849, 853 and 859 Pacific Highway and 2 and 8 Wilson Street.

The activity aligns with the Chatswood CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy 2036, which increases height and FSR controls across key blocks.