Firehouse Hotel at North Sydney in Billbergia proposal

An historic North Sydney pub formerly used as a fire station would have a 48-storey tower built over it, including 252 hotel rooms and a bar.

Artist’s impression of the bar in the proposed Firehouse Hotel redevelopment.

An historic North Sydney pub formerly used as a fire station would have a 48-storey tower built over it, including 252 hotel rooms and a bar.

Property developer Billbergia has lodged the $152 million plans for the Firehouse Hotel and the neighbouring vacant nine-storey office block on Walker St, which require approval.

Artist’s impression of the proposed Firehouse Hotel redevelopment

Hotel accommodation would occupy about 20 storeys of the tower, while another 20 would be offices.

The new hotel would have a restaurant, while artist sketches show the “rooftop bar” would actually be indoors on the top floor.

The Firehouse Hotel would continue as a pub, according to Billbergia.

The Firehouse Hotel would continue after the redevelopment. Picture: Georgina Whelan

The structure was built in 1895 and used by firefighters until shortly after World War II.

The station included an engine house, where the horse-drawn fire engine was stored.

Three firefighters manned the station, along with volunteers.

The building is heritage-listed and Billbergia said it would preserve its appearance.

North Sydney Fire Station in 1897.

While respecting heritage limitations, the developer is seeking to demolish the rear of the pub to expand public space to Little Spring St.

Some rooms would also be reconfigured.

The developer said it was unable to provide off-street parking due to the heritage-listing and a stormwater pipe.

However, it said the venues would be within 400m of North Sydney Station, and the planned Victoria Cross underground metro station.

Artists impression of inside the proposed building.

Billbergia in June proposed a 35-storey structure at the site.

However North Sydney Council later published its North Sydney CBD Capacity and Land Use Strategy, which encourages developers to provide commercial space.

Billbergia has withdrawn the previous development application and submitted the 48 storey one.

The state government’s Sydney North Planning Panel will decide whether the application is approved.

People can submit comments on the proposal to North Sydney Council by December 14.

The Times has called Billbergia representatives for comment.