2A James Street: Eastern suburbs developer Fortis approved for Woollahra project

The largest privately-owned parcel of land in Woollahra is set to be transformed into luxury apartments, including a $20m trophy residence, as part of a mammoth $170m project.

A $170 million development set to be built near Centennial Park in Woollahra will feature luxury apartments on the largest privately-owned parcel of land in the suburb.

Luxury eastern suburbs developer Fortis has been granted development approval by Woollahra Council for a premium residential project at 2A James Street, Woollahra.

A Fortis spokeswoman said the site’s 1880s theatre will be restored and converted into a single trophy residence, with an expected value of $20 million. The interiors will reference the grand original property with a basement, tunnel cellar, internal landscaped courtyards and pool.

The $170 million project will also see existing buildings dating to the 1800s and early 1900s architecturally restored alongside newly-built two-, three- and four-bedroom luxury residences with north-facing gardens and carparking.

The 1900s terrace interiors will be redesigned by Woollahra interior designer Phoebe Nicol and the interiors will be reimagined by Sydney-based Alexander & Co.

Fortis has received approval to develop 2A James Street, Woollahra. Image: Fortis.

The block is located behind Queen St near Centennial Park. Image: Google Maps.

Construction on the project is expected to commence late 2023 and will be funded by Double Bay commercial real estate investment manager Pallas Capital.

Fortis director Charles Mellick said the achievement was thanks to council and wider community support for the site.

The development is located near the shopping village at Queen street Woollahra. Picture: John Appleyard.

Luxury self-contained homes 20 metres from Bronte Beach to be developed by Fortis. Image: Fortis.

“Our work at the nearby Pallas House Sydney and Gaden House demonstrates our commitment towards retaining Sydney’s architectural heritage, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to lovingly restore and reinvigorate this site, bringing it back to life,” he said.

Mr Mellick said preserving the heritage of the existing buildings was core to Fortis’ plans to expand the availability of apartments offered.

The developer says plans represent the first time large scale off the plan apartments have been offered in Woollahra.

Surry Hills-based MHN Design Union have been appointed as the lead architects on this project, with landscaping by Wyer & Co.

Fortis has rapidly expanded its footprint over the past 12 months with a slate of large scale luxury developments.

In July the developer snapped up a coveted Bronte beachside site for $125 million to build 10 self-contained homes.
Fortis bought the generous 2400 sqm block at 122-128 Hewlett St, touted as one of the largest private land holdings on the market in the eastern suburbs, for around $45 million in February.

In May the developer submitted plans to Woollahra Council in partnership with the council, Assembly Funds Management and Pallas Group to replace the ageing multi-level Cross St car park in Double Bay with a new commercial building.

Fortis said the expected end value of projects currently under construction or under a planning proposal currently sits at $4 billion nationwide.