A controversial 39-storey tower approved for the heart of Burwood will soon rise beside the historic Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District Saint Nectarios church, reigniting debate over heritage preservation, overdevelopment and the rapidly changing face of Sydney’s inner west.
The major hotel and apartment project, approved by the NSW Planning Department, will be built on the corner of Railway Parade and Burleigh Street, directly opposite the Victorian Gothic church which has served the local Greek Orthodox community since 1970.
The site has already attracted significant public attention following the demolition in late 2024 of the former Young family home, where members of legendary Australian bands The Easybeats and AC/DC once lived before achieving international fame.
Burwood Council, St Nectarios parish and local residents had raised concerns over the scale of the development, pedestrian safety and the impact increased traffic could have on churchgoers and the surrounding area.
While the development was ultimately approved, the Planning Department imposed a series of conditions aimed at protecting pedestrians and nearby heritage assets before construction can begin.
In a statement issued on behalf of the church board, secretary and director Christina Efthymiades said the parish was pleased its concerns had been acknowledged.
“We of course also need to ensure the protection of our heritage church,” Efthymiades said.
“We are pleased that several conditions have been imposed for the construction phase, and we sincerely hope that these conditions will protect our church and minimise disruption to our services and community activities during construction.”
Originally built in 1879, the church remains one of Burwood’s most recognisable historic landmarks and continues to function as a major spiritual and community hub for Greek Australians in Sydney’s inner west.
Efthymiades said that despite the suburb’s changing skyline, St Nectarios would continue serving the local community long into the future.
“Despite the ever-changing landscape since the church was built almost 150 years ago, it continues to be a welcoming place for all, a beautiful local landmark and the hub of a thriving community,” she said.
Burwood Mayor John Faker expressed disappointment over the outcome, saying he believed the site should have become a public square rather than accommodate a tower of such scale.
The project highlights the growing tensions facing Sydney councils as pressure for higher-density housing near transport hubs increasingly collides with efforts to preserve local heritage and community character.
