First look: New mixed-use tower planned for St Leonards

A private Singaporean developer is seeking to create the newest tower in the evolution of St Leonards in North Sydney.

Plans have been filed for a 39-level, mixed-use tower by Elegant Private, which is directed by the China-born Zirong Zhao.

Zhao has previously sought to develop student accomodation in Sydney's Haymarket. Elegant Private is a subsidy of the Singapore-based commercial property developer Grantal Enterprise.

The plans for the $123 million tower at 100 Christie Street, just across the road from the St Leonards train station and adjoining Christie Street Reserve, include over 5,700 sqm of commercial space in the five-level podium, set above ground floor retail and a six-level basement which will hold 112 resident parking spaces. 

The residential section of the building will start from level seven, above the landscaped level six outdoor communal area which will feature an extensive variety of resident facilities, from an outdoor cinema to yoga lawns.

A mix of 186 one, two and three-bedroom apartments will be spread over the next 32 levels, with an average of six apartments per floor.

Levels 37 and 38 will home four two-level penthouse apartments, each with five bedrooms, a soaring void over the ground level living area and a butler's pantry.

PTW Architects have designed the tower. Director Simon Parsons, who signed off on the design statement lodged with the North Sydney Council, suggested in the submission that the proposal presents a high-quality mixed-use development in a liveable and connected precinct, to utilise the nearby amenity of St Leonards and Metro Stations and future St Leonards Plaza.

"The proposed development consists of a tower and podium form, which is in line with the desired future character of the street and surrounding buildings," PTW wrote in their statement.

PTW also suggested the mix, weighted toward two-bedroom apartments, provides great housing choices to the community, but also responds appropriately to the market demand in the St Leonards area. 

The site is divided into two distinct components. On the southern part of the site is a 12-level commercial tower, and to the north is Christie Street Reserve.

As part of a voluntary planning agreement, Christie Street Reserve and Sergeants Lane will be upgraded to a design by RPS landscape architects.

PTW note that the tower and the upgrade of the landscaped areas will combine to create a major piece of urban design that will transform a key hub within the heart of St Leonards. 

"The design proposes to transform the public domain by facilitating movement, activating retail frontages, enhancing sight lines and amenities and an overall better connection to Christie Street reserve and the wider community."

100 Christie Fast Facts

• Commercial/Retail GFA: 5,708 sqm
• Residential GFA: 18,466 sqm
• Total GFA: 24,174 sqm
• Apartment Mix - Total 184 units
• 12 One Bed units (6%)
• 132 Two Bed units (72%)
• 36 Three Bed units (20%)
• 4 Penthouse units (2%)
• DDA Units - 37 Adaptable units (20%)
• 37 Silver units (20%)
• A communal open space on level six provides for a range of activities for the residents, which include;
  • Outdoor kitchen and dining areas.
  • Outdoor cinema
  • Outdoor golf simulator
  • Outdoor office and seating areas
  • Outdoor lounge areas
  • Yoga lawns
  • Playgrounds
  • Off leash dog areas