Land and Environment Court determines F45 gym founder Robert Deutsch’s plans for Campbell Parade, Bondi development

The founder of national fitness franchise F45 has triumphed in a court battle to turn a prominent block of Bondi Beach land into a new retail and luxury apartment complex.

The founder of national fitness franchise F45 has won a legal bid to turn a prominent block of Bondi Beach land into a multimillion-dollar shop-top housing development.

Robert Deutsch took Waverley Council to the Land and Environment Court in his bid to turn a three-storey building, across the road from the famous beach, into a new retail and luxury apartment complex.

After an agreement was struck at a conciliation conference, the court upheld Mr Deutsch’s appeal earlier this month, paving the way for him to proceed with his plans for the three-storey building at 56 Campbell Parade.

The approval follows the council previously raising concerns over the project, including breaches of the site’s height limit and the overshadowing of surrounding homes.

A report tabled at a council planning meeting also contained objections from local residents with neighbours, raising potential impacts on the heritage streetscape of Bondi Beach, construction noise and the level of excavation required for redevelopment.

A concept image of the development.

Plans for the $5m revamp show the development is set to span five levels and include four apartments, as well retail tenancies split over two levels.

The front facade of the dwelling will be retained in a move plans described as one that would “maintain the historic character” of the site.

The development will include retail areas and units.

Robert Deutsch.

Mr Deutsch bought the site for $20.65m in December 2020.

Its previous owners include Auschwitz survivor Freda Feuerstein, who bought the block in 1958 for £11,000 after fleeing post-war Europe.

Units at the site are currently rented out, with the ground level occupied by Preach Cafe.

The court – in determining the plans – stated amendments to the original proposal had adequately responded to the concerns that had been raised.

The site fronts onto Bondi Beach.

It also found breaching the site’s 15m height limit by 1.73m was “justified” and would not adversely impact on neighbours.

Development plans for the site stated the project would have a “substantially higher amenity than the current arrangement”.

“The design respects the original fabric of the building and makes a positive contribution to the architectural diversity of Bondi Beach,” the plans stated.

“It is in the public interest to provide additions to this building of high architectural merit, with improved residential amenity and an active retail presence in this location”