Project Description

An application to Council by another development group to demolish the existing attached Edwardian terrace buildings and to construct a new development had been refused with significant opposition from the community. The building was considered by Council and the community to be of contributory heritage significance in a heritage conservation area.

The site had been acquired off-market and the challenge was to come to Council and the community with something absolutely different which would obtain support by way of restoring the heritage significant front sections of the terraces, merging them with a new and modern residential apartments building beyond with new underground parking with driveway at rear.

The new building had to be well concealed beyond the to-be-restored front section and be shaped to keep new shadows away from the adjoining existing flat building to the south. This was a significant challenge for a long east-west oriented building design.

Bulk and scale controls needed to be exceeded in order to make the project feasible. This was achieved with no unacceptable impacts on streetscape or neighbouring properties with an affordable housing contribution to Council.

The project received Council and community support and was constructed by others. The result was a restoration and authentic revitalisation of the way the building presents to and relates to the street with generous deep Edwardian front gardens. Front units benefit from restoration of original features such as high ornate ceilings, original chimney fireplaces and fenestration. The penthouses enjoy pleasant views of the city and Botany Bay.