First look: Freecity lodges Crows Nest TOD tower
Freecity is the latest developer to join the TOD wave, unveiling plans for a 40-level mixed-use towers above Crows Nest Metro.
The tower, on a 1,320 sqm site at 378-398 Pacific Highway, has been designed by Cox Architecture and will deliver 178 new apartments that will sit above a three-level commercial and retail podium, and eight levels of basement parking.
Cox Architecture says the good mix of apartments, 26 one-beds, 101 two-beds, and 51 three and four-bedroom units, will cater to a wide demographic, offering future residents a broad variety of living options.
In line with the recently finalised Transit Oriented Development (TOD) controls, approved in November 2024, the site has been earmarked as a key location within the Crows Nest strategy. The additional height and density allowances reflect the state’s broader push to deliver higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure.
“This project is about delivering high-quality housing at a strategically located site,” Cox noted in the State Significant Development Application.
"Pacific Highway is one of Sydney's key north-south routes. It is a significant arterial road that connects multiple suburbs whilst also acting as a feature of commercial, retail, and residential activity. Our design reflects the future character envisioned for Crows Nest and aligns with TOD planning frameworks.”
A striking tower, featuring geometric glass-fibre reinforced cladding, will complement the robust brick base that will form the podium.
Future residents will have access to two communal outdoor terraces, on the third and 20th levels.
There were previous plans submitted, and consequently refused, in 2022, before the recent legislative changes.
Free City will no doubt hope for the same success as fellow TOD developer Third.i, who launched the first stage of Hume Place, across the road on Hume Street, to much fanfare late last year, securing over half of the sales of the apartments in a matter of months.
The first stage known as Elevate, one of three mixed-use buildings that will make up Hume Place, will have 130 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
Freecity has another major project north of the Harbour Bridge. They recently acquired an office building on Walker Street in North Sydney, which they plan to convert into build-to-rent apartments and a hotel.
