Hakoah Club launches fresh appeal over White City redevelopment

Eastern suburbs residents are seeing red over fears the White City tennis institution will become the latest of the area’s historic buildings to be demolished.

An artist's impressions of the $46 million White City development.

Eastern suburbs residents are seeing red over the redevelopment of tennis institution White City into what they fear will be a “Sydney Cricket Ground-sized concrete jungle”.

The Hakoah Club, which counts billionaire Frank Lowy as its most prominent member, is taking Woollahra Council to court so it can cut down more trees, extend trading hours and hold events with more than 1000 people over a 24-hour period.

An artist's impressions of the White City development (outlined in red).

Paddington residents have concerns about the $46 million plans.

The club’s $46 million redevelopment of the Paddington site was approved by the Sydney Eastern Planning Panel on September 3.

However the club is now asking the NSW Land and Environment Court for permission to cut down 11 jacaranda and palm trees — on top of the 74 due to be chainsawed.

The club says the overall number of trees will increase with planned planting of native species.

According to a submission to the LEC by Woollahra councillor Harriet Price, the club is also seeking to extend the hours of use of the soccer field until 10pm, sell alcohol until midnight six nights a week, and scrap the need to provide updated acoustic ­reports to the council after construction is completed.

Residents Belinda Mathieson (left to right), Patricia Azarias, James Dolton and Sally Baker with Harriet Price at the site. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu/AAP

“The proceedings commenced by the club are disappointing to many Paddington residents — especially the challenge to those conditions aimed at protecting the amenity of the community and mitigating the impacts of the development,” Ms Price said.

“The club says it wants to be a good neighbour but their (Hakoah’s) challenges question whether that will be so.”

Ms Price said the matter was set down for hearing in April next year.

Over the past two decades many sections of the complex have fallen into disrepair.

The new plans will see a new internal road, football field, nine tennis courts, gym, cafe, a 25m pool and learn to swim facilities.

Paddington resident Bel­inda Mathieson said the new conditions would have a huge impact on the quiet area.