Crows Nest is buzzing with construction activity as part of the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program, aimed at increasing housing supply near public transport. The area, identified as a key precinct for "accelerated, state-led rezoning," is undergoing significant transformation—but not without controversy. While the promise of more housing is welcomed by some, concerns over inadequate infrastructure to support the estimated 16,000 new residents remain unresolved.

To help you navigate the changes, here’s the first instalment of your guide to major construction projects currently reshaping lower north Sydney:

Elevate Crows Nest – Hume Place (Above Crows Nest Metro Station)

Designed by Sydney architects Woods Bagot, Elevate is Stage 1 of Hume Place’s redevelopment. The 17-storey luxury residential tower will house 130 apartments, with a price range from $927 000 for a one-bedroom to as much as $12 million for a penthouse. Amenities include a rooftop lap pool, a 24-hour concierge, and a wellness spa.

As part of the wider Hume Place redesign by Third.i Group, Elevate is just the beginning. The entire precinct will eventually include 600 apartments, with 60 to be designated as affordable housing for essential workers. Construction on Stage 1 is set to begin towards the end of 2025 pending final approvals, with completion expected in mid-2027. For prospective buyers, a display suite is open at 521 Pacific Highway.

The Collective – 23-35 Atchison Street, St. Leonards

TWT Property Group’s latest project, The Collective, features 93 luxury apartments and commercial spaces across 16 levels. Designed by Team2 and DBI, this development promises to "foster cultural vibrancy" in the area. Apartment prices range from $935,000 to $3.9 million, with completion estimated for late 2026. Construction on The Collective began late last year, and display suites are available for viewing at 64 Atchison Street.

St Leonards Telstra Exchange Development – 524-542 Pacific Highway

This 43-storey mixed-use tower by Home Apartments will integrate the existing Telstra Exchange building and include 272 build-to-rent homes, ten affordable units, serviced apartments, and retail spaces. Demolition of existing structures is yet to begin. A state government press release estimates $9.8 million will be raised for local infrastructure upgrades.

The North Shore Lorikeet has sought comment from Green Gourmet St. Leonards, a beloved vegan restaurant at 538 Pacific Highway.

The Local Angle

While some see these developments as progress in tackling the housing crisis, others are concerned about the affordability of this housing, with one local landscaper, who asked to remain anonymous, calling it “a good thing for rich investors and no one else.”

Many others in online community groups are concerned about their quality of life living near these sites as they battle the increased noise, dust, and parking issues for as long as the TOD program transforms the area.

With local councils across Sydney raising the alarm that developers may be taking advantage of the NSW government’s affordable housing incentives, how the area is equipped to cope with its fast-tracked residential boom remains in question.

North Sydney architect Will Blake said the development was a “positive change.”

“Crows Nest is literally the next frontier to the CBD,” said Blake. “It’s been inevitably ripe for development due to its desirable proximity. I see this to be nothing but a positive to the community. With density comes better amenity, the change will bring in a more diverse community rather than primarily single dwelling home owners. The lifestyle will change for the better.”

North Sydney Council last year submitted their concerns over the TOD program’s “extensive, rapid rezoning of the precinct for predominantly residential purposes, and continued application of the NSW Government’s built-to-rent provisions in commercial centres.” Their submission also stated that “this translates to a potential loss of up to 11,000 planned jobs capacity over the long term, significantly compromising the strategic economic function of the centre.”

Image Credit: Hume Place