61-63 Macleay Street, Potts Point hotel development sees hundreds of City of Sydney residents beg council to sack development

A controversial hotel development earmarked for Potts Point has seen a barrage of complaints from locals. See the plans here.

A multimillion-dollar hotel development has become shrouded in controversy after receiving up to 200 submissions from locals claiming it will “destroy” the heritage of Potts Point. .

What started off as a simple hotel development in Macleay St has become one of the areas most debated projects with concerns over noise, structure, heritage impact with claims it will be “intolerable to the residents”.

Accompanied by near $9m price tag, the plans include a basement level, ground floor extension, additional storeys to fit 18 new hotel suites, 101-patron restaurant, bar and kitchen.

The project is spearheaded by White House Developments, who in partnership with investor Tony Benjamin bought the property from pub baron Justin Hemmes for over $13m in 2019.

While some support the new boutique Hotel, locals like Justin Miller, believe it will have “unprecidented” impacts on the community.

61-63 Macleay St, Potts Point artist impressions

“To allow a bar and restaurant to function until 1am would detract from the amenity of the area and also adversely affect surrounding apartment dwellers quiet enjoyment of their properties,” he said.

“The hotel immediate will create very disturbing noise levels to dwellings surrounding the proposal.”

61-63 Macleay St, Potts Point artist impressions

61-63 Macleay St, Potts Point currently

Potts Point local, Helen Crossing, said the development would “destroying the fabric” of the community.

This is a heritage area, not just architecturally but also culturally, it’s important to ensure developments preserve rather than destroy the community fabric,” she said.

“There were significant and ongoing noise issues (with the owner) over the years it was in operation and a don’t care attitude regarding disturbance to neighbours.”

Ten hotel staff and 20 restaurant staff will be on shift at any one time during peak periods.

61-63 Macleay St, Potts Point artist impressions

A city of Sydney spokesman said the council was working to address the concerns of locals.

“These changes were made after extensive feedback from the City’s heritage specialists and will ensure acceptable heritage conservation of the building,” he said.

“The applicant submitted a plan of management and acoustic report that shows sound levels will be managed effectively.”

“Additional conditions have also been included in the approval to further manage potential noise impacts.”

The development, which was lodged in January 3, 2023, looks to be completed by December 2024.