A former Sydney Metro construction site on Sydney’s north shore will be converted into as many as 1500 new homes, including 180 build-to-rent apartments for essential workers, and an old boys’ boarding school will be repurposed into a community space as part of the development.

State government developer Landcom has planned the site on Mowbray Road in Chatswood to include some affordable apartments, shops and outdoor areas.

Government developer Landcom will deliver 1500 new homes in Chatswood.Credit: Landcom

This will be the second site secured under the Minns government’s $450 million investment in 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney. There are already 220 essential worker homes being developed in Annandale.

Landcom’s draft masterplan for Chatswood includes the construction of 180 build-to-rent apartments to be held in perpetuity and offered to health workers, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters.

There would be a further 1300 apartments for sale on the private market, with some dedicated to affordable housing with a mix of apartment sizes. The site is within walking distance of public transport, including Chatswood metro station and heavy rail.

A heritage building Mowbray House, which operated as a boys’ boarding school from 1906 to 1954, would also be repurposed for future community use.

Landcom will build as many as 1500 homes, including some affordable apartments, shops and outdoor areas.

Premier Chris Minns said “essential workers are the backbone of not only Sydney but all of NSW, and they deserve an affordable place to live near their job and community”.

“This will be life-changing for essential workers, who will get to live not only near their job but in one of the best-connected areas in all of Sydney,” Minns said.