Willoughby City Council has begun work on the most significant planning project Chatswood has seen in a generation, with Chatswood 2060, a long-term vision and master plan that will shape the centre's growth, liveability and identity to 2060 and beyond.
At its heart, Chatswood 2060 will set out how Chatswood can accommodate future growth in homes, jobs and investment while cementing its position as the cultural heart of the North Shore, and ensuring that it remains highly liveable, inclusive, sustainable and economically strong.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said Chatswood 2060 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to plan for growth while enhancing the qualities that make Chatswood one of Sydney's most vibrant, connected and desirable places to live, work and visit.
"Chatswood has long been recognised as a major employment, retail and transport hub. As Sydney continues to grow, Chatswood will play an increasingly important role in the delivery of new homes, close to jobs, services, open space and transport. But how that growth occurs matters just as much as the number of homes we deliver," Mayor Taylor said.
"The question is not whether Chatswood will change over the next 35 years, but how we plan for that change today. We call on the Commonwealth and NSW Government to partner with us to ensure vital community infrastructure is planned, coordinated and delivered alongside growth, rather than playing catch-up afterwards.
Council also strongly believes that density in Willoughby is best placed in Chatswood and St Leonards, which benefit from extraordinary active transport connections. Our vision is for Chatswood to be a world-class example of Transport Oriented Development done well – density that is liveable and breathable, with room for trees, open space, sunlight, community life and the infrastructure a growing population needs," Mayor Taylor said.
Chatswood has the potential to accommodate future housing growth, building on its exceptional public transport connections, strong employment base and existing investment in infrastructure and services.
"The NSW Government's new Sydney Plan highlights the importance of delivering more housing in locations that are well connected by public transport and supported by jobs and infrastructure. Willoughby City Council is uniquely placed to contribute to those objectives," Mayor Taylor said.
"However, growth must be matched by investment in the things that matter most to our community, including open space, tree canopy and green spaces, public domain improvements, community facilities, schools and public and active transport connections that support healthy and liveable communities," Mayor Taylor said.
Mayor Taylor emphasised that Chatswood 2060 is not simply about housing growth, but about creating a city for future generations and cementing Chatswood's position as the cultural heart of the North Shore.
"Our vision is for Chatswood to remain the cultural heart of the North Shore: a place where people can live close to jobs and services, where families have access to quality parks, arts and community facilities, where businesses can thrive, and where people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome and included."
Council is working closely with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that future housing and employment growth is planned alongside the infrastructure needed to support it.
"This is the start of an important journey for Chatswood. As the project develops, we'll be asking residents, businesses, workers and community groups to help shape the vision," Mayor Taylor said.
"Together, we can create a long-term plan that reflects our community's values and delivers a highly liveable, inclusive, culturally vibrant and prosperous Chatswood for generations to come."
Council will soon announce a launch event, which will begin the process for residents, landowners and other stakeholders to outline their ambitions for Chatswood. A draft master plan is expected to be released in early 2027 for community consultation.
