A proposal for an 11-storey development at the gateway to Castlecrag has sparked deep concern among residents, heritage and community advocates, who say it poses a direct threat to the internationally recognised Griffin Conservation Area.

Castlecrag was designed over a century ago by renowned American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their visionary plan created a “garden suburb” where buildings were carefully integrated into the bushland setting, respecting the natural landscape and views to Middle Harbour.

Now, that vision is under threat.

Developer Conquest purchased a key corner site at Eastern Valley Way and Edinburgh Road in May 2025 and has lodged an Expression of Interest with the Housing Development Authority under the State Significant Development (SSD) process. On 23 July, the Minister declared the proposed 11-storey development eligible for SSD fast-tracking—despite the site sitting directly adjacent to the Griffin Conservation Area (GCA).

“This is an area of national and international heritage significance. The proposal to construct an 11-storey tower at its entrance is not just inappropriate—it’s alarming,” said Akky van Ogtrop, President of the Walter Burley Griffin Society. “The Griffin Conservation Area is not merely a suburb—it is a legacy. The Griffins’ vision was clear: buildings should defer to nature, not compete with it.”

The site had previously been owned by Greencliff, a development company founded by Dr Stanley Quek. In recognition of the area’s sensitivity, Greencliff commissioned a design excellence competition among four of Sydney’s leading architectural firms. The winning design, by FJMT Studio, proposed a carefully articulated three-storey development split into two structures to minimise bulk and visual impact. Almost all existing trees, including a prominent Spotted Gum at the corner, were retained in the FJMT design. This thoughtful and context-sensitive proposal was approved in November 2024, by the Sydney North Planning Panel.

However, the new owners have since applied to Willoughby City Council for the removal of the healthy mature Spotted Gum and appear to be abandoning the approved plan in favour of a high-rise that critics say would dominate and visually overwhelm the Griffin Conservation Area.

“The Griffin Conservation Area is unique in Australia”, Ms van Ogtrop said. “It is critical that any adjoining development respects this heritage. The Griffins’ philosophy placed the landscape and trees above built form. The FJMT design honoured that vision. Replacing it with an 11-storey tower would be a devastating loss.”

Community members and heritage advocates are now calling on the NSW Government to uphold the integrity of the Griffin legacy and reject any development that threatens the conservation area’s character and values. Additionally, Willoughby City Council is requested to reject the application for tree removal.

WBGS Media Release 070825_for web
7 August 2025