Bridgewell secures approval for 55-apartment project in Killara
Killara is set for one of its densest ever new development with a new project approval set to bring 55 new apartments to the affluent Upper North Shore suburb.
The development, at 23-25 Lorne Avenue, near Killara Golf Club, is being led by by BWSLD Killara Pty Ltd, an entity with ties to Bridgewell Capital, which has an association with Bridgehill Group - the developer behind a series of projects in Roseville, Castle Hill, and Kogarah.
The approved scheme will deliver a mix of one to four-bedroom configurations, with a higher proportion of two- and three-bedroom layouts. Ten of the apartments are allocated to affordable housing under the NSW Government’s Housing SEPP framework.
Located just 300 metres from Killara train station, the proposal takes advantage of new Transport Oriented Development and Infill Affordable Housing controls.
BKA Architecture, the design lead on the project, noted that the scheme “offers an increase in high-quality housing for singles, couples and families within a green urban context, while responding to Killara’s shift toward higher-density housing."
The design achieves a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating, with photovoltaic solar panels planned to supplement energy use. More than 70 per cent of apartments achieve both solar access and cross-ventilation, limiting reliance on artificial cooling.
BKA Architecture emphasised the project’s landscape-led approach.
“The proposal has worked to retain mature existing trees, both on the subject site and neighbouring sites, while increasing the amount of native planting. The proposed development sits comfortably within a dense urban tree canopy and 3–6 metre wide deep soil zones."
Aesthetically, the building is articulated with a defined base, body and top, featuring a material palette of brick, aerated concrete, fibre cement panels, and non-combustible timber-look battens. Bronze-toned awnings and operable privacy screens provide additional detailing.
The site sits opposite the Killara Heritage Conservation Area.
The practice also acknowledged the site’s deeper cultural setting. “The site is located on the traditional country of the Dharug and Guringai peoples, who are the traditional custodians of the land. All new canopy trees proposed are native, linking the site with their natural ecology”
