Two potential developments set to continue Crows Nests’ transformation

10 November 2025

Crows Nest is poised for more substantial redevelopment with two new mixed-use developments currently under consideration by North Sydney Council. 

Plans have been lodged for the demolition of a three-storey commercial building, currently home to the Rangoon Colonial Club Restaurant at 70-76 Alexander St, to make way for a $49.83 million mixed-use development. Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the project will feature 24 independent living units for seniors, situated above ground-floor retail spaces. The development also includes basement parking for 36 vehicles, a rooftop communal open space, and various amenities. The residential component will offer a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside shared retail, rooftop, and recreational facilities.

The Rangoon Colonial Club Restaurant, a fixture in Crows Nest since 1990, could face closure if this Development Application is successful. The Sun contacted Rangoon for comment but received no response.

A similar development application has been lodged nearby, on the corner of Holtermann Street and Willoughby Road, by Yan Honda Architects. This application seeks the demolition of existing buildings at 3 Holtermann Street, and 71 and 75 Willoughby Road, for the construction of a four-storey mixed-use building with 12 residential units. The dwellings will comprise six three-bedroom and six four-bedroom apartments, with 23% of the gross floor area allocated for affordable housing. Plans also include a rooftop residential communal open space. The ground floor will be utilized for commercial space, with basement parking for 10 vehicles.

The site neighbours the Holtermann Street car park and currently houses several businesses, including On Time Printing, Aesop, Monet and Mascarto, and La Casa by Importante.