Woolworths unveils long-awaited Waterloo precinct with shop-top housing

Nearly four years after signalling it will be going into the mixed-use precinct sector and starting with a site in Waterloo, Fabcot, the development arm of supermarket chain Woolworths, has submitted a development application for the site.

They secured concept plan approval for the project in May last year, but the recently laid $165 million plan for the 6,534 sqm site at 923 Bourke Street is the one that will go up for full approval. 

They've proposed a part eight, part six-level building designed by Bates Smart who won the design competition for the project over the likes of Koichi Takada Architects and SJB.

The design pays homage to the cultural and natural heritage of Waterloo, according to the documents submitted to the City of Sydney Council.

The precinct will be home to two residential buildings, along with a five-story commercial building. 110 one, two and three-bedroom apartments will spread across the two residential buildings, with 68 per cent designed as offering dual aspects, optimising natural light and ventilation

Drawing inspiration from Aboriginal Country and the area's rich history, the architectural expression features sandy-tone bricks and green hues reminiscent of the coastal landscapes and native flora that once flourished here. 

Facade geometries, with splayed and peeled elements, echo the forms of Banksia Serrata and Melaleuca plants, further rooting the project in its local context.

Residents will also benefit from communal amenities including a landscaped podium courtyard and rooftop terraces. 

The apartments will rise from an activated ground plane where Fabcot intends to create a plaza-style precinct with specialty shops, cafes, restaurants, and a full-line Woolworths supermarket equipped with modern conveniences like direct-to-boot and e-commerce services. 

The commercial building, strategically positioned at McEvoy and Bourke Streets, will cater to local workplace needs with compact, flexible office spaces. Its faceted design complements the surrounding streetscape while framing inviting views of the precinct’s public spaces.

Sustainable features include solar panels, EV charging stations, rainwater reuse systems, and low-carbon materials. 

Six terraces homes to be managed by City West Housing with sit along Young Street.

Waterloo has been abuzz with activity recently.

Mirvac and John Holland revealed their near-$1 billion plans for the next stages of Waterloo Metro Quarter, while across the road from the Woolworths plans, builder-developer DASCO recently got to work on Danks St District, another precinct-style development with around 376 apartments across four buildings.