There is a palpable sense of renewal in the air at 20 Crabbes Avenue. After much anticipation, the Heart of Willoughby has officially opened its doors, marking the completion of a landmark $400 million mixed-use precinct by the family-owned Australian developer, Hyecorp.

As someone who had the pleasure of attending the official opening, I can tell you that this isn’t just a building, it is a masterclass in how to modernise a community institution while honouring its soul.

The 15,000 square metre site has been transformed into a “vertical village,” a seamless integration of retirement living, aged care, and the beautifully renewed Club Willoughby. The precinct is designed to ensure that older Australians can age with dignity without having to leave the neighbourhood they love. With 111 luxury Hyegrove retirement apartments and 47 HyeCare high-care suites, the model allows couples with different care needs to stay co-located within the same community.

While the residential facilities are world-class, the crown jewel for the broader public is undoubtedly the three-storey Club Willoughby. I sat down for lunch at the club’s restaurant after the opening event, and “stunning” is the only word that does it justice. The space feels contemporary yet warm, striking a perfect balance between a high-end hospitality venue and a welcoming community hub.

The club currently offers a sophisticated bistro, alfresco dining, and a lively sports bar. For those looking for even more variety, a Chinese seafood restaurant is slated to open soon. Whether you are there for a casual midday meal or a celebratory dinner, the quality of the environment suggests that Club Willoughby is set to become the North Shore’s premier social anchor.

What makes this project truly special is its commitment to the legacy of the original Willoughby Legion Ex-Services Club. As Member for Willoughby Tim James MP noted during the opening, the precinct serves as a reminder that progress must honour service and sacrifice.

A standout feature is the 2,000 square metre memorial park and memorial walk. It has already served as a poignant site for ANZAC Day commemorations, ensuring the spirit of the club’s heritage remains visible at the very heart of the development. Club President Ves Campion aptly described the result as a modern hub “built for the community, by the community”. The development included an extensive period of community consultation before embarking on the new plan for the site and this is apparent when you step inside it for yourself.

The precinct also functions as a “green lung” for the area, featuring 5,400 square metres of landscaped grounds. If you haven’t made the trip to Crabbes Avenue yet, I highly encourage you to go.

This is more than a development; it is a vibrant, multi-generational sanctuary that Willoughby should be incredibly proud of.