City of Sydney Local Planning Panel gives company owned by John Ibrahim green light for ‘shop top’ housing development

Retired nightclub mogul John Ibrahim’s development company has been given the green light to build luxurious apartments, while a “future basement bar” may also be on the way to Kings Cross.

An artist’s impression of the “shop top” housing development.

Retired Sydney nightclub mogul John Ibrahim’s development company has been given the green light to build luxurious apartments as part of a multimillion-dollar plan, which may also feature a “future basement bar” in the heart of Kings Cross.

The City of Sydney Local Planning Panel this week approved the $19.7m proposal put forward by Mr Ibrahim’s company, Cantabri, with existing terraces to be retained while other structures at 28-36 Bayswater Rd are demolished as part of the “shop top” housing development.

Part of the development site was previously home to Greek restaurant and bar Eros, which suddenly closed last year around the same time owner Ussi Moniz Da Silva disappeared, allegedly owing investors and staff at his high-end venues up to $2m in unpaid wages and debts.

There is no suggestion Mr Ibrahim is linked to any allegations of unpaid wages and debts said to be owed by Mr Da Silva, who is believed to have left Australia.

Planning documents state the 1393 sqm shop top development will include 22 apartments, situated above retail tenancies that include a proposed “basement bar”.

Former Kings Club nightclub mogul John Ibrahim.

Mr Ibrahim, dubbed “the last king of the Cross”, is the sole director of Cantabri, which bought the properties at 28-30, 32 and 36 Bayswater Rd in January 2021.

They were also previously home to the now-closed Thai Rock Restaurant and Crane Bar, the latter of which Sydney model Sarah Budge — Mr Ibrahim’s long-time girlfriend — owned prior to its closure during the Covid pandemic.

Modelling of the streetscape, including the development. Picture: Squillace

According to documents, the redevelopment plan is expected to “enhance the residential offering to the precinct of Potts Point, due to its prime location in terms of access to local shops, entertainment, services and public”.

Documents before the planning panel also stated the development “will only be affordable to households on relatively high incomes”.

Bayswater Rd, previously at the heart of the once-vibrant Kings Cross nightlife scene, continues to feature an eclectic mix of mid-Victorian terraces, which house a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs.

A City of Sydney spokeswoman noted the development would also include the performance of conservation works on the structures to be retained, some of which are heritage-listed.

Modelling for the planned development on Bayswater Rd. Picture: Squillace

“The development will be three to six storeys in height,” she said.

“Date for commencement of the development has not yet been determined.”