The State Government is transforming a former Sydney Metro dive site in Chatswood’s CBD into hundreds of new homes, including 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers.
Master planning of the site in Chatswood by the 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 construction of 180 build-to-rent apartments to be offered to essential workers, up to 1,300 further apartments both for market sale and affordable housing, and new retail and commercial spaces, landscaped outdoor spaces with pedestrian and cycling connections to the wider area.
The Liberals had planned to use the Metro Dive site for a public school along with homes for essential workers and Willoughby MP Tim James slammed the government’s plans, saying the plan ‘does not meet the community’s best interest.’
“Local schools are already full and refusing local enrolments, catchments are being redrawn, yet Labor claims there’s no need. It’s clear now this government wants to cash in on the site at the expense of the community,” Mr James said.
“This once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver broad lasting community benefit will be squandered. The community will get near wall-to-wall high-rise on the site with little to show for it except traffic gridlock and no plan for schools, roads or services,” said Mr James.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: “This will be a 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.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “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.”
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: “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.”
Construction 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 until 9am on Monday 27 October 2025.
For more information visit Landcom’s website. Mr James encouraged people to make a submission and to visit Tim James’ website to sign his petition against the proposal.
