There’s a fresh buzz around North Sydney. Long regarded as Sydney’s second CBD, the area has always offered plenty to see and do, but its appeal has reached another level with the arrival of the new Metro, the reopening of the extensively upgraded North Sydney Pool and the introduction of luxury residential apartments such as The Walden.
“The Metro has transformed connectivity across North Sydney, putting the CBD and Barangaroo just minutes away,” says Andrew Hrsto, Founder and CEO of property developer and builder ALAND, which is currently delivering The Walden on Walker Street.
“Victoria Cross Station has brought a fresh mix of dining, bars and retail to the area, creating a real sense of energy that wasn’t there before the Metro opened,” Hrsto says. “North Sydney is no longer somewhere people simply come to work — it’s quickly becoming a destination in its own right, with a lifestyle to match.
“That blend of connectivity, convenience and a vibrant local community is a key part of The Walden’s appeal.”
Taking advantage of its elevated position on the eastern edge of North Sydney, The Walden is a 30-storey luxury residential development offering a selection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences, along with a future collection of exclusive penthouses.
The opening of the Metro, together with the return of the iconic Olympic pool, is further enhancing a lifestyle that locals have long valued for its close proximity to the CBD and surrounding natural beauty. Residents can enjoy harbourside walking and running trails, along with stunning, postcard-worthy views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
With improved transport links and growing amenities, North Sydney is stepping into a new chapter as both a thriving business hub and sought-after residential precinct. Its dining scene is also flourishing, with established favourites including Antica Dining, RAFI North Sydney and Cecilia all located just moments from one another.
“When I first started my career, North Sydney was largely known as a business and office precinct,” says Ben Pomroy, principal at leading Australian architecture and interiors practice Rothelowman, the team behind the design of The Walden for ALAND.
For Rothelowman, designing The Walden was an opportunity to create a building that feels distinctly residential while still capturing the character and identity of North Sydney. Pomroy says the team wanted to make the most of the site’s impressive harbour views, while the building’s tessellated form takes inspiration from the sandstone landscape beneath it.
“Although the building is tall, we wanted it to be immediately recognisable as a place to live, rather than another anonymous glass office tower,” Pomroy explains.
The architectural team also took an “inside-out” approach to the design, with the comfort, functionality and liveability of each apartment shaping the building’s overall look and feel.
By turning the tower away from the traditional grid, the design team has made sure every apartment enjoys a corner position. This clever approach brings plenty of natural light, fresh cross ventilation and, of course, some pretty impressive views.
“Having two aspects throughout the home makes it a much more dynamic place to live. It has a stronger sense of being a home,” says Pomroy.
It’s this combination of thoughtful architecture and an exceptional location that continues to draw buyers to The Walden.
“The views are without a doubt the hero; people stop to take them in,” says Andrew Hrsto. “Whether it’s across to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, north towards the Lower North Shore or east towards the Heads, buyers are drawn to that incredible sense of openness, space and calm.”
Residents of these generously sized apartments will enjoy spacious kitchens, wintergarden balconies and exclusive access to The Pavilion — a four-storey amenity hub positioned alongside the residences.
Designed with lifestyle and convenience in mind, The Pavilion will feature concierge services, a sauna, wellness studio, gym, resort-style rooftop pool and sundeck, residents’ lounge and private dining rooms available for bookings.
“One comment that has really stayed with me came from a downsizer who said, ‘It doesn’t feel like we’re downsizing at all; it feels like we’re upgrading our lifestyle,’” Hrsto says. “I think that sums up what makes The Walden so special.”
