Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney
Freecity has received development approval for its landmark 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.
Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, the project will deliver 296 luxury build-to-sell apartments, alongside a 170-room, 4.5-star hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.
Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5B, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.
Tony Sun, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity Group, said:” This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct. North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination that cements North Sydney’s position as one of Sydney’s premier urban addresses.”
Key project features include:
- A 51-storey mixed-use tower rising to 234 metres
- 296 premium build-to-sell apartments across 42 residential levels, comprising 65 one-bedroom/studio, 139 two-bedroom, 35 three-bedroom, 48 four-bedroom and 9 five-bedroom/penthouse residences, with premium finishes and smart technology integration
- Nine affordable housing units
- A 170-room, luxury hotel across levels one to six
- Hotel amenities including meeting and function rooms, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna
- High quality resident amenity on Level 33 featuring outdoor dining, a shared kitchen, swimming pool with Harbour Bridge & Opera House and North Sydney CBD views, gym, library and lounge
- 707 sqm of retail at ground and lower ground level, activating Walker Street and Little Walker Street
- A landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park, with paving, seating and native plantings
- 232 basement car spaces and 414 bicycle spaces, with end-of-trip facilities
- Public realm improvements including an expanded footpath and pedestrian-focused laneway interface along Little Walker Street
Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development, added: “The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station. Walker Street is a flagship project for Freecity reflecting our ambition to deliver developments that genuinely shape cities and to put more homes in the well-connected places where people actually want to live.”
Designed by Architectus, the tower’s residences are oriented to maximise outlook to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the harbour. At street level, an activated ground floor, public through-site link and laneway improvements connect Walker Street to Doris Fitton Park, creating a walkable, people-focused precinct
Marko Damic, Principal at Architectus, added: “We saw this project as an opportunity to reimagine vertical living in North Sydney. From the outset, we wanted to design a tower that doesn’t just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to the city life.”
“Anchored in a design for Country ethos, the podium and ground level feature sandstone, landscaping and generous public spaces that acknowledge the Cammeraygal people and form a welcoming threshold between city and home. Above, the tower’s fluid, serrated façade creates a sense of movement and a distinctive identity while responding to wind, light, and views.”
Published: 1 July 2026
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