$171 million tower above forthcoming Pyrmont Metro Station approved

A state significant application for a 31-storey tower above the forthcoming Pyrmont station in Sydney has been granted concept approval by the NSW government.

The high-rise is set to be established on a triangular site at 37-69 Union Street. Designed by Woods Bagot, the building will accommodate residential, commercial and retail uses. The residential component will comprise 160 apartments across 16,198 square metres, while commercial office space will span 5,241 square metres, and 2,024 square metres will be allocated to retail and dining options.

Links to the metro station will be integrated throughout the building, providing occupants with direct access to public transport.

The indicative designs for the project were unveiled in March 2024, leading to a public exhibition and consultation phase that garnered 32 submissions. These included 16 objections, 11 supporting responses and five neutral comments. The main concerns related to building height, overshadowing, traffic congestion and potential loss of views. In response, further consultation and design refinements were made.

The built form has been envisioned as a tower atop a podium typology, with the five-storey podium to house the commercial and retail components and the tower to accommodate residential use. The podium features a predominantly brick facade with metal accents, while the tower's facade features a glazed curtain wall with fine-grain metal fins and cladding. Repetitive bays and arches on the building's exterior aim to echo the facades of surrounding buildings.