Central to the design is a north-facing public park, designed as a communal heart for residents, workers and visitors. Bathed in natural sunlight, the park provides a green oasis within the urban fabric, offering spaces for gathering, relaxation and everyday activity.

By prioritising open space and reducing overshadowing, the proposal strengthens the social and environmental quality of the site. The park becomes more than an amenity; it acts as a new public destination that enhances the neighbourhood’s sense of connection and civic life.

The project introduces a new public laneway that improves pedestrian connectivity through the site, linking the development into Pyrmont’s existing street network. This laneway creates a finer grain urban experience, encouraging movement, activation and interaction at ground level.

The proposal responds to Pyrmont’s established character, including its heritage terraces, industrial history, cultural landmarks and thriving hospitality scene. Pyrmont’s layered history, from its industrial past to its current cultural vibrancy, informs the project’s materiality, scale and architectural expression.

By opening the site to the public and improving permeability, the development contributes to a more active and connected neighbourhood. The proposal acknowledges the area’s heritage values while introducing a contemporary building that complements, rather than competes with, its context. Through its focus on public space, connectivity and mixed-use activation, the development supports Pyrmont’s ongoing evolution while retaining a strong relationship to the character and history of the area.

The 20,000 square metre mixed-use development integrates approximately 200 apartments, retail uses, food and beverage offerings, flexible co-working spaces, and basement parking. This mix of uses supports a diverse and active urban environment across different times of the day.

The building form is carefully stepped and articulated to respond to its surroundings. Through considered massing and orientation, the design protects sunlight access to nearby heritage terrace houses and public spaces, balancing contemporary urban growth with sensitivity to neighbourhood character.

The proposal approaches urban density as an opportunity to provide meaningful public benefit. At the centre of the project, the north-facing park creates a generous green space for residents, workers and visitors, supporting everyday gathering, recreation and connection.

By prioritising public space, sustainability and design quality, 13A-29 Union Street demonstrates how increased density can be carefully integrated into an established urban setting. The proposal brings together housing, employment, hospitality and open space within a mixed-use development that contributes to a more active and connected Pyrmont.

Union Street, Pyrmont’s layered history, from its industrial heritage to its present-day cultural vibrancy, informs the project’s materiality, massing and approach to public space. The design acknowledges the area’s heritage values, ensuring the new structure complements rather than competes with its surroundings.

“This project rethinks urban density as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds," says director Jesse Lockhart-Krause. "The north-facing park isn’t just a green space — it’s a sunlit stage for daily life, where nature and neighbourhood meet.”

At Lockhart-Krause Architects, we specialise in unlocking the potential of complex urban sites through design-led thinking and a detailed understanding of current planning policy. By identifying opportunities within each site’s constraints, we work to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, communities and the built environment.

Contact us to learn more about our approach or discuss a future project.