Fortis secures approvals for residential and mixed-use projects across Sydney’s eastern suburbs

There are big plans in the pipeline for apartments, penthouses and mixed-use developments across Sydney’s wealthy eastern suburbs.

The proposed Ruby House project by Fortis in Sydney’s Double Bay.

Long ignored by developers, Sydney’s posh eastern suburbs have of late become somewhat of a magnet for real estate executives.

Many have multiple plans for projects that include luxury apartments and opulent penthouses.

Not only will the site of the InterContinental Double Bay Hotel in Cross Street be transformed with a $1bn lifestyle precinct by developers Allen Linz, Eduard Litver and Mervyn Basserabie, but developer Fortis has quietly secured development approvals for residential and mixed-use projects across Double Bay, Darling Point and Elizabeth Bay.

This week Fortis won Sydney Council approval for its $240m Regency House apartment block of 20 luxury units of two, three and four bedrooms starting from $4m on its 21C Billyard Ave site. Fortis head of acquisitions John Yacoub said receiving development approval was a significant milestone.

Fortis has also secured Woollahra Council approval for a $50m-plus penthouse in Double Bay as well as three luxury apartments in exclusive Darling Point ranging in price from $15m-$20m.

Positioned in the heart of Double Bay, the penthouse atop Ruby House, fronting 294-298 New South Head Road and 2-10 Bay Street, will “become the crown jewel of Double Bay, standing among the world’s finest apartment residences”, Fortis said.

An artist’s impression of Fortis’s project in Darling Point, Sydney.

With more than 1000sq m of indoor and outdoor living space and interiors by Melbourne designer Pete Kennon, the penthouse will have private lift access, four bedrooms, a library, cellar, ­secure underground carparking, a 20m lap pool and two private terraces. Fortis added that the north-facing aspect would have sweeping water views.

The penthouse will sit above the $195m Ruby House, a luxury mixed-use commercial project currently under construction. The main commercial project is expected to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Fortis’s general manager of development, NSW, Ed Eve.

However, the penthouse is expected to take slightly longer, completing by the first quarter of next year.

In Darling Point, Fortis is yet to start marketing the project, and agents are yet to be appointed for the marketing of three full-floor apartments, which according to Mr Eve will appeal to wealthy downsizers or people looking to move to the eastern suburbs from elsewhere – in Australia or internationally. The open-plan apartments front 7 Annandale Street, Darling Point and were designed by MHN Design Union, with ­interiors by celebrated designer Phoebe Nicol. Each unit has full-width balconies and private ­garages.

An artist’s impression of Fortis’ Ruby House in Double Bay

The penthouse has its own private rooftop terraces, while the lower residences have manicured gardens by landscape designers Wyer & Co.

The just-approved project is expected to take 18 months to complete, with delivery by the second quarter of 2027.

“These approvals reinforce our commitment to working with the best teams to bring visionary, premium developments to life,” Mr Eve said.

“Receiving this support from Woollahra Council is a strong vote of confidence in our ability to deliver exceptional projects in some of Sydney’s most prestigious locations.”

In a statement, Fortis said it looked forward to continuing to shape the future of luxury real ­estate in Sydney.

The developer said it recently completed Atlas in Rose Bay, and has several developments under construction, such as Piper in Point Piper, MONA in Darling Point, Bronte Collection, Woollahra Collection, and RH Gallery in Double Bay.

Meanwhile, Mr Linz submitted a DA for the former InterContinental last November, demolishing the hotel and replacing it with wellness centres, dining precincts, as well as 29 opulent apartments units starting from $30m apiece.

The partners are also planning a 40-room boutique hotel.

Mr Linz could not be reached for comment.