21c Billyard Ave, 10 Onslow Ave: $23m Fortis apartments planned for Elizabeth Bay opposed by residents

A group of eastern suburbs residents have raised concerns a proposed $23m luxury apartment building would destroy views of the harbour and historic buildings.

Fortis development at 21c Billiard Ave. Picture: City of Sydney.

A group of inner city residents say they risked losing their harbour views if a proposed luxury apartment was built in a blue chip harbourside street.

A community group comprised of Elizabeth Bay residents has released a public statement voicing opposition to a recently-lodged $23m luxury apartment development proposal.

The statement – shared by group member and eastern suburbs resident Maryanne Dever – outlined the groups’ fears residents risked losing “prized views” of the harbour and heritage-listed buildings including 19th century Elizabeth Bay House, along with concerns around construction noise and the increased bulk of the proposed building.

Eastern suburbs developer Fortis submitted a proposal to the City of Sydney for $23m harbourside apartments with rooftop access at Elizabeth Bay in August.

Plans submitted by The Trustee for Billyard Ave Development Trust, linked to Fortis director Charles Mellick, to the City of Sydney Council show the developer plans to reimagine two ageing apartment buildings only a stone’s throw from Sydney Harbour.

The proposed development at Elizabeth Bay. Picture: City of Sydney.

The 4054sq m site at 21C Billyard Ave and 10 Onslow Ave will be rebuilt as two apartment complexes comprising 22 apartments. The Billyard Ave complex will stand at five storeys and have a communal open rooftop.

The plans include three two-bedroom apartments, 18 three-bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom apartment along with basement parking for 27 cars and 24 bicycles.

Views of Elizabeth Bay marina. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone.

Views of Elizabeth Bay marina. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone.

Historic Elizabeth Bay House.

Environmental documents prepared for Fortis and submitted to the council state that while the buildings sit within the Elizabeth and Rushcutters Bay Heritage Conservation Areas, adapting the existing facades would not protect or improve the character of the local area.

Instead the proposed red and pink brick exteriors are set to echo the red brick finishes of the site’s existing Inter-War residential buildings and ensure the new apartments are a sympathetic addition to the historic setting.

“The new development will present as a new contemporary neutral infill building of high architectural quality, which will enhance the architectural character and diversity of the area,” submitted documents state.

However residents countered the bulk of the development would have a marked impact on the historic street’s character.

The proposed development at Elizabeth Bay. Picture: City of Sydney.

The community group’s statement said the new proposal was part of “a visible trend to acquire 1960s and 1970s blocks that often represent the more affordable housing in the Elizabeth Bay/Potts Point area and replace them with smaller numbers of highly exclusive apartments”.

“This trend will not only exacerbate existing housing shortages, but also alter the social mix of the area, something for which it has long been celebrated,” the statement read.

Ms Dever said community meetings have been held in recent days ahead of the September 20 deadline for submissions.

Representatives for Fortis were contacted for comment.