st leonards square
St Leonards Square has pioneered the revitalisation of its suburb from a business and transport hub to a vibrant place to live, work and relax.
The overall ‘Square’ concept by Sissons Architects, in collaboration by Mirvac Design, is innovatively composed of two triangular towers (35 levels and 27 levels respectively) separated on a diagonal axis to maximise light and views through the development and into all apartments. The sculptural towers comprise an articulation of individual pod elements rotating around a central core. Articulation, materiality and earthy tones identify the high-rise as predominantly residential rather than commercial.
The angular high-rise spills to curves at the ground plane, into a central plaza connecting public recreational spaces and private lobbies, active edges of retail with commercial access, and encouraging interaction of residents, commuters, shoppers, exercisers, workers and the public.
The mixed-use development delivers 527 apartments, 32 offices, a Virgin Active gym and 10 retail tenancies. It was completed in April 2020.
What sets St Leonards Square apart – and is especially rare for Sydney high-rise – is the level of amenity and hotel-like ambience. Within the towers, residents can swim, work out and socialise against stunning panoramas of Sydney Harbour, 14 storeys high. The luxury continues with 24-hour concierge, spa, sauna, music studio, cinema and function spaces.
Architecture makes the most of the site’s compact footprint and naturally elevated topography to bring remarkable panoramic Sydney vistas from within, and a new local landmark from afar.
The towers’ forms echo the geometry of the area, and their warm palette evokes the natural landscape of and around Lane Cove River. Greener movement networks are optimised via car-share spaces, bicycle storage and improved public transport access.
The compactness of destination (with on-site food, groceries, amenity and services, plus employment, education and transport within a walkable catchment) enhances sustainability and liveability.
With its hotel-level service, luxurious amenity and ‘vertical village’ lifestyle, St Leonards Square has reimagined urban life on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
