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$1-Billion Redevelopment Set to Transform Double Bay Waterfront

Did you know that the landmark InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay may be demolished to give way to a proposed $1-billion lifestyle precinct, a major transformation for the waterfront suburb?

A New Vision for Double Bay

The project, located at 33 Cross Street, has been submitted for approval (DA 489/2024), with construction anticipated to begin by 2026. Designed by COX Architecture, the redevelopment will include high-end retail, dining, a 40-room boutique hotel, office suites, wellness facilities, and 29 luxury apartments priced at around $30 million each.

Developers Allen Linz, Eduard Litver, and Mervyn Basserabie acquired the site for $215 million earlier this year. They aim to revitalise the area with a mixed-use precinct that balances public accessibility with luxury living. Nearly half the site will be dedicated to community spaces, including green areas, cinemas, and a pedestrian walkway connecting the precinct to Double Bay Beach.

33 Cross St Double Bay — *Photo Credit: 33 Cross Street*

Community-Centred Design

The redevelopment prioritises community integration, with developers emphasising a more inclusive street-level experience. Features such as a landscaped atrium, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly pathways are central to the design. The proposal also incorporates facilities catering to Double Bay’s ageing demographic, including medical services, saunas, and gyms.

The new precinct will retain elements of the site’s history, though the 140-room InterContinental Hotel—once a destination for celebrities like Princess Diana and David Bowie—will largely be replaced. Developers plan to manage the non-residential spaces directly, ensuring high-quality retail and hospitality services.

Luxury Apartments in a Booming Market

The apartments, spanning around 300 square metres each, will occupy the top seven levels of the precinct, offering views of Sydney Harbour. These residences, marketed on an invitation-only basis, have already garnered significant interest. The redevelopment aligns with a broader trend of rising property values in Double Bay, where luxury developments have seen apartment prices grow by 16.6 per cent over the past year.

Developers believe the new precinct will cement Double Bay’s status as a global lifestyle destination, drawing comparisons to exclusive developments in cities like London and New York. The project will complement existing high-profile establishments in the area, such as Neil Perry’s restaurant Margaret and Top Spring’s luxury apartment complexes.

A Landmark for the Future

Mr Litver described the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine how people experience Double Bay. He noted that the site’s unique location, surrounded by parklands and harbour views, made it an ideal place to create a world-class precinct. Similarly, Mr Linz emphasised the importance of enhancing community connections while preserving the area’s charm.

If approved, the redevelopment is expected to reshape Double Bay into a vibrant hub blending luxury living with public amenities, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.

Published 22-January-2025

Song Bird Takes Flight in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram

Song Bird, a modern Chinese restaurant, has landed in the heart of Double Bay. Helmed by acclaimed chef Neil Perry, the restaurant occupies the heritage-listed Gaden House on Bay Street.

With its blend of Cantonese-inspired flavours and fresh Australian ingredients, Song Bird is a vibrant addition to Sydney’s dining scene.

Dumplings served at Song Bird Double Bay. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

A Harmony of Heritage and Style

Housed in Gaden House, a 1960s architectural icon, Song Bird pairs mid-century charm with modern elegance. Inside, soft lighting and warm orange lanterns create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Crisp white tablecloths and polished timber chairs add sophistication, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and showcase views of the surrounding streetscape. A glass-enclosed wine display offers a touch of luxury.

The venue strengthens Mr Perry’s growing influence in Double Bay, complementing his other popular restaurants, Margaret and Next Door.

Warm orange lanterns at Song Bird restaurant. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

A Menu Designed to Delight

Song Bird’s menu highlights the best of Cantonese cooking, enriched by premium Australian produce. Signature dishes include:

Seafood served at Song Bird Double Bay. — *Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

Dumplings: Pork and Prawn Siu Mai ($24 for 4).
Roasts: Peking Duck with Mandarin pancakes and condiments ($64 for half, $120 for whole).
Seafood: Live lobster ($239) and mud crab ($159) prepared in XO sauce or with ginger and shallots.
Meats: Red-braised pork belly ($49), Mongolian beef fillet ($49), and stir-fried chicken with black bean sauce ($45).
Vegetables: Steamed choy sum with garlic sauce ($25) and stir-fried water spinach with garlic ($24).

À la Carte Menu

The à la carte menu showcases a variety of Cantonese-inspired dishes, each crafted with care. From the delicate Spencer Gulf King Prawn Har Gow to the bold Mongolian beef fillet, every dish is a tribute to flavour and quality.

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Dessert Menu

Song Bird’s dessert offerings provide the perfect finish. With creative twists on classic Asian-inspired sweets, the menu reflects Mr Perry’s signature balance of indulgence and refinement.

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Banquet Menu

Ideal for group dining, the banquet menu offers a curated selection of the restaurant’s standout dishes. Designed for sharing, it captures the essence of Cantonese cuisine, from savoury dumplings to succulent roasts and fresh seafood.

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Chinese New Year Banquet Menu

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Song Bird presents an exclusive eight-course banquet for $148 per person. Symbolic dishes like Peking Duck, live coral trout with ginger and shallots, and indulgent desserts mark the occasion. Available from 27 January to 9 February, it’s a feast that honours tradition and flavour.

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*Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/Instagram*

Operating Hours

Song Bird operates seamlessly throughout the week:

Monday to Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Neil Perry: A Culinary Visionary

Mr Perry’s extensive experience in fine dining shines through at Song Bird. His meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the menu to the restaurant’s design and atmosphere. Adjacent to Song Bird is Bobbie’s, a basement cocktail bar specialising in martinis and light snacks—perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a relaxed nightcap.

The iconic, chef Neil Perry — *Photo Credit: Neil Perry/Instagram*

Revitalising Double Bay

Since opening Margaret in 2021, Mr Perry has been a driving force behind the revival of Double Bay. Song Bird adds new energy to the area, attracting locals and visitors alike. While the revitalisation has been widely welcomed, some residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic and commercialisation.

Looking Ahead

With its innovative menu and elegant setting, Song Bird is poised to become a staple of the dining scene in Double Bay. Reservations are now open, with details available on the restaurant’s official website. Mr Perry’s commitment to excellence continues to shape Sydney’s culinary landscape.

BOOK A TABLE

Published 14-Jan-2025

Murray Rose Pool Closed Amid Sydney-wide Swimming Alerts

Photo Credit: Woollahra Municipal Council

Murray Rose Pool in Double Bay is closed after it has been declared unsuitable for swimming as part of widespread water quality warnings across Sydney following this week’s heavy rainfall.

The harbourside swimming enclosure is currently listed as a “red flag” location by Beachwatch NSW due to likely contamination. The nearby Rose Bay Beach is also affected by the pollution warning.

According to Beachwatch NSW’s online monitoring system, the contamination primarily impacts Sydney Harbour swimming spots, with both Murray Rose Pool and Rose Bay Beach showing elevated pollution risks.

UNSW research fellow Dr. Jasmin Martino explains that rainfall is a major driver of ocean pollution, as stormwater runoff can introduce contaminants including E. coli into waterways. Harbour swimming spots are particularly susceptible due to limited tidal flushing compared to ocean beaches.

The timing of these pollution warnings coincides with peak bull shark season in Sydney Harbour, which typically occurs during January and February. Dr. Martino notes that bull sharks are most active when water temperatures are warm and after high rainfall or floods.

Beachwatch NSW continues to monitor water quality and advises checking their website before swimming. The general recommendation is to avoid harbour swimming for at least three days following heavy rainfall.

Published 10-January-2025

Storm Causes Chaos in Double Bay: Cars Damaged by Fallen Tree

Photo Credit: Gabriella Neuang-keo/Facebook

Double Bay experienced chaos overnight as a large candlenut tree fell onto multiple cars on Ocean Avenue, causing significant damage.

The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to over 40 incidents in the city between the evening of 6 January 2025 and the morning of 7 January 2025.

*Photo Credit: Gabriella Neuang-keo/Facebook*

Background and Context

Double Bay, a picturesque suburb in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, faced unexpected challenges due to the recent wild weather. Shortly after midnight on 6 January, a band of cloud brought a cool change, driving rain and thunderstorms across New South Wales (NSW). The storm, driven by a low-pressure trough, caused heavy rainfall and strong winds, impacting central and inland NSW.

The Incident

Emergency services were called to Ocean Avenue in Double Bay shortly after midnight following reports of a tree falling across the road and hitting a car. The road was temporarily blocked as emergency services worked to clear the path. Local resident Matt reported hearing a loud crash around midnight of 6 January and found a huge tree across the street.

Another local resident, Sarah Leven, remarked that the tree might have toppled around the same time. She was woken by the sound of machinery working to remove it.

Gabriella Neuang-keo, whose car was damaged by the fallen tree, posted on social media, stating that the incident might have happened during the night of 6 January and morning of 7 January. She wasn’t sure of the exact time, but the tree was removed in the early hours of 7 January.

Ocean Avenue is a popular parking street, and it was fortunate that more cars were not damaged. No injuries have been reported.

Damaged car in Double Bay. — *Photo Credit: Gabriella Neuang-keo/Facebook*

Community Impact

Residents in NSW made 57 calls for assistance to the SES on 6 January 2025, mostly due to trees falling onto power lines, roads, and houses. The incident has raised concerns among residents about the safety of trees in the area. Woollahra officials are investigating the cause of the fallen tree and working to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Fallen tree on cars in Double Bay after storm. — *Photo Credit: Gabriella Neuang-keo/Facebook*

Storm Overview

Heavy rain and strong winds led to trees toppling across various parts of NSW and Greater Sydney. A spokesperson for SES said teams were working to resolve any remaining incidents, as more storms are anticipated to smash through the state.

Rainfall totals were not extreme, with Sydney recording 13mm of rain, but the fast-moving thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to continue throughout the week, potentially bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and hail to the region.

Current Weather

Sydney is currently experiencing cloudy skies and a high chance of showers. The weather forecast predicts that showers will continue, with possible thunderstorms in the coming days.

Next Steps

As the SES continues to respond to incidents, residents should remain vigilant and report any fallen trees or hazards to local authorities. City officials are also considering ways to improve tree care and safety in the area.

The storm in Double Bay has highlighted the importance of being prepared and raising community awareness during severe weather events. While the SES and local authorities work to mitigate the immediate effects, residents are reminded to stay safe and report any problems as soon as possible.

Published 9-Jan-2025

Double Bay Tops Christmas Champagne Sales at Dan Murphy’s

Photo Credit: Dan Murphy's Double Bay/Facebook

Double Bay has officially claimed the title of Australia’s top champagne consumer during the Christmas season, with Dan Murphy’s reporting record-breaking sales in the harbourside suburb.

Double Bay champagne sales — *Photo Credit: Dan Murphy’s Double Bay/Facebook*

A Festive Favourite in Double Bay

Champagne has long been a staple in Double Bay’s festive celebrations, and last Christmas was no exception. According to Dan Murphy’s, the Double Bay store outperformed every other location in the country in champagne sales during the holiday period. With a mix of luxury French labels and premium Australian sparkling wines flying off the shelves, it’s clear the locals know how to celebrate in style.

Top Champagne Picks in Double Bay

Two standout champagnes dominated the festive tables in Double Bay:

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial ($54.90): Known for its refined elegance and smooth finish, this classic label remains a crowd favourite.
Veuve Clicquot NV ($64.99): With its bold and distinctive flavour, this iconic champagne continues to be a top choice for celebrations.

These premium champagnes reflect Double Bay’s preference for quality and tradition during the festive season.

Double Bay champagne sales highlight holiday trends — *Photo Credit: Dan Murphy’s*

Sparkling Success: Local Favourites

While champagne reigned supreme, Australian sparkling wines also held their ground. Double Bay shoppers showed strong support for two sparkling labels:

Chandon Brut NV ($24.99): Crisp and refreshing, this remains a go-to sparkling option.
Jansz Premium Cuvee ($24.99): Known for its balance and finesse, this Tasmanian sparkling wine continues to impress.

These selections highlight a trend where locals are embracing both international luxury and high-quality local alternatives.

Shifting Tastes and Festive Trends

Dan Murphy’s noted that while champagne remains the drink of choice for celebrations, premium Australian sparkling wines have been gaining traction. With rising champagne prices and the growing reputation of local sparkling wines, many customers are finding value and quality in homegrown options.

Ed Carr, chief winemaker at Tasmania’s House of Arras, highlighted the decades-long effort to elevate Australian sparkling wine standards. Mr Carr said that over time, Australian sparkling wine producers have fine-tuned their techniques, creating wines with complex aged profiles, including notes of mushroom, toast, and brioche. These efforts have resulted in sparkling wines that can confidently stand alongside renowned French varieties.

Merchandise Manager, George Radman has pointed to a shift in consumer behaviour. Rising champagne prices and a weaker Australian dollar have encouraged more people to explore mid-tier sparkling wines, with many willing to spend a little extra for quality.

Looking Ahead: More Bubbles, More Celebrations

As champagne prices continue to climb globally, Double Bay’s appetite for sparkling celebrations isn’t likely to wane. Whether it’s French champagne or local sparkling wine, one thing is clear—Double Bay will continue to set the benchmark for festive celebrations.

Published 4-Jan-2025

Parking Dispute Sparks Tension in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A parking dispute on William Street in Double Bay has highlighted local frustrations over vehicle placement, with one resident leaving an angry message on a white Honda Civic.

The confrontation occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a local resident took exception to the car’s positioning, which appeared to occupy space typically sufficient for two vehicles. The resident responded by affixing two strips of masking tape to the windscreen with pointed messages about the parking manner.

One note explicitly asked the driver to “please don’t park like a jackass,” while another noted the vehicle was taking up “2 car parking” spaces. The windscreen wipers were also raised as part of the protest.

A parking permit visible on the windscreen suggests the driver is likely a local resident, potentially creating an awkward neighbourhood situation.

The incident follows similar recent parking disputes, including a case in Newcastle where a vehicle blocked a driveway, forcing a visitor to navigate through a front yard.

Under New South Wales law, parking across a driveway carries significant consequences:

A $302 fine for the offence
Illegal to stop over a driveway except when picking up or dropping off passengers
Drivers must move within two minutes
Parking across one’s own driveway is also prohibited

The dispute underscores ongoing challenges with urban parking, even in affluent neighbourhoods like Double Bay.

Published 4-December-2024

New York Fashion House Rag & Bone Debuts in Double Bay

American fashion house Rag & Bone is set to unveil its newest Australian location in Double Bay later this month.

Read: Luxury Vision: $18M Proposal Aims to Transform Cross Street in Double Bay

The store opening on Friday, 29 November 2024 marks a strategic milestone for Signal Brands Australia, bringing the brand’s signature blend of sophisticated craftsmanship and contemporary style to one of Sydney’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.

Situated at 31-33 Knox Street, the new boutique seamlessly integrates Rag & Bone’s characteristic urban aesthetic with Double Bay’s refined atmosphere. The store’s design creates an approachable yet elevated shopping environment that resonates with the precinct’s sophisticated character while staying true to the brand’s New York roots.

Paul Smith, Managing Director of Signal Brands Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the location choice. He said that Double Bay’s vibrant, cosmopolitan energy and fashion-forward community had long attracted the brand’s attention. He emphasised that the new location would offer customers an immersive experience reflecting the brand’s essence, combining timeless design with distinctive edge.

The carefully curated store will showcase the full spectrum of Rag & Bone’s offerings for both men and women. Customers can explore everything from the brand’s renowned denim collection to tailored jackets, sophisticated outerwear, accessories, and footwear. Each piece embodies the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and contemporary design.

To commemorate the opening, the Double Bay location will host a week-long celebration featuring exclusive in-store promotions, including special gifts with purchase and complimentary beverages for shoppers. These offerings are designed to welcome customers to experience the brand’s unique approach to modern fashion.

Read: Double Bay Tops ATO List as Australia’s Wealthiest Postcode

Since its founding in New York in 2002, Rag & Bone has established itself as a formidable presence in the international fashion landscape. The brand has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success by masterfully combining authentic heritage elements with modern details. Its signature aesthetic—an understated yet edgy New York sensibility—has resonated with fashion enthusiasts worldwide, making it a go-to label for innately wearable clothing.

Published 23-November-2024

Borne: A Sanctuary for New Mothers in Double Bay

Photo Credit: Borne

Double Bay is now making headlines for a different reason. It’s home to Borne, a luxurious retreat to support new mothers during the often-overlooked fourth trimester.

Borne is located within the InterContinental Hotel and offers a comprehensive wellness program for women and their newborns. The five-day packages provide around-the-clock care from a team of experts, including lactation consultants, midwives, doulas, and educators.

These professionals guide new mothers through the challenges of breastfeeding, swaddling, and bathing their infants.

The retreat is more than just a luxurious staycation. It’s a sanctuary where women can recover physically and emotionally. Founder Avalon Nethery, inspired by her own experience with postnatal depression, recognised a gap in the market for specialised postpartum care.

She believes the modern expectation for women to balance careers and motherhood can lead to isolation and overwhelming stress.

Borne aims to address this issue by providing a supportive community for new mothers. The retreat offers various services, from gourmet meals to expert advice, designed to help women confidently transition into motherhood.

While the cost of a four-night stay at Borne may be significant, Nethery emphasises the long-term goal of making such care accessible to all women. She hopes to work with government and insurance providers to reduce the financial burden and ensure every new mother can benefit from this specialised support.

The impact of Borne’s services can be seen in the experiences of women like Melinda, a first-time mother who struggled with a high-risk pregnancy and traumatic birth.

She found solace and support at the retreat, gaining the confidence and knowledge she needed to navigate the challenges of early motherhood.

Published Date 19-November-2024

Roma Arcade in Double Bay to Transform with High-End Hotel and Retail

Long-standing Double Bay shopping centre Roma Arcade could soon be transformed into a high-end mixed-use hub featuring hotel rooms, office spaces, and retail stores.

Background of the Redevelopment Proposal

The Roma Arcade, located on New South Head Road in Double Bay, was purchased in March 2024 by education entrepreneur Adrian Fonseca and his wife Nancy Reardon-Fonseca for approximately $21 million.

Mr Fonseca, who serves as the deputy president of the GWS Giants and is the founder of Oxanda Education, bought the property with his wife as part of a vision to revitalise the area. This acquisition marked the first time in decades that the arcade changed hands, making it a significant transaction for the Double Bay community.

Details of the Proposed Development

The Fonsecas’ plan – DA 393/2024 lodged with Woollahra Council – proposes demolishing the existing arcade structure to make way for a five-storey complex with a mix of functions designed to attract both locals and visitors.

Roma Arcade — *Photo Credit: Before/Google Maps*

According to the planning documents prepared by GSA Planning, the new development would house three levels dedicated to retail and office space and feature 15 studio-style hotel rooms across the third and fourth levels. Each hotel room would be designed with ample natural light and small balconies to provide an open, airy feel, appealing to tourists seeking a boutique experience.

According to the proposal, the rooftop will be transformed into a terrace, adding an extra community-oriented element for relaxation and gatherings. Fonseca’s team has indicated that the new centre will blend well with Double Bay’s “desired future character,” aiming to create a high-quality, modern space that fits within the area’s growing commercial and social environment.

Community Impact and Economic Potential

The proposed redevelopment is expected to generate new employment opportunities for Double Bay, replacing the existing structure with a facility that incorporates retail, office, and accommodation elements. Planners believe that the new complex will draw in more visitors and contribute to the local economy by providing additional shopping, work, and stay options.

The hotel rooms, especially, are expected to attract tourists and business travellers, further boosting local businesses and encouraging longer stays in the area.

Oliver Meehan, head of development at Oxanda Education, describes the Roma Arcade project as a vital part of Double Bay’s “tremendous revitalisation,” aiming to bring modern amenities and high-quality architectural design to the neighbourhood. By focusing on both retail and office spaces, as well as accommodation, the development offers more varied business opportunities than the existing structure, which has historically hosted a smaller selection of shops.

Next Steps and Community Response

Pending council approval, the redevelopment will move forward, with the demolition and construction phases likely to follow shortly after. Woollahra Council’s decision will weigh the potential benefits of increased economic activity and tourism against considerations from local residents and business owners who may be impacted by construction.

Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback during the planning review process to ensure the redevelopment aligns with the needs and expectations of Double Bay’s residents.

Published 15-Nov-2024

Nicole & Baby Boutique Brings Pet Pop-Up to Double Bay for the Holiday Season

Nicole & Baby Boutique, a luxury pet brand from Sydney, has opened a community-focused pop-up event in Double Bay, bringing unique pet products and experiences to local pet lovers.

Running from early November until Christmas, the pop-up, held in collaboration with pet-friendly store Fido & Fido, offers an array of pet-focused activities and premium pet products. Attendees can expect services like professional pet photography, “puppuccinos” for dogs, pet styling sessions, and regular giveaways. The event aims to foster a sense of community among pet owners by creating a welcoming space for those who enjoy pampering their pets.

High-Quality Pet Fashion and Products

Founded in 2022 by Nicole Voyatzis, the Nicole & Baby Boutique started as an online store inspired by her dog, Baby. Noticing a lack of high-quality, fashionable pet clothing that blends style with function, Nicole created a brand that offers pet clothing, accessories, toys, and dishware with a luxury edge.

Nicole & Baby Double Bay — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

The boutique has gained a following, with more than 10,000 followers on Instagram and recognition from British Vogue, where it was featured in three consecutive issues from September to November 2023.

Nicole is committed to environmentally conscious practices, including eco-friendly packaging. She has partnered with the RSPCA, dedicating 10% of all sales to the organisation to support its work with abandoned, injured, and sick animals.

The pop-up in Double Bay features a selection of these products, including seasonal holiday-themed attire and Australian-made items. It reflects her ongoing dedication to supporting animal welfare and fostering connections within the pet-loving community.

Nicole & Baby Boutique plans to expand its Australian-made products and add custom embroidery services. Additionally, inspired by her second dog Boo, who struggles with anxiety, Voyatzis is developing a product specifically designed to help ease pet anxiety. She hopes to release this product as part of her mission to address pet wellness and comfort.

Building a Community of Pet Lovers

Nicole & Baby Boutique has also gained support from a community of pet influencers who regularly share their experiences with the boutique’s products. This growing community includes pet owners across Australia and beyond, who gather online and now in person at the Double Bay pop-up to celebrate their shared love for pets and quality pet care.

The pop-up will continue to operate at Fido & Fido in Double Bay through the Christmas season, offering pet owners a unique opportunity to shop, socialise, and connect over their passion for pets.

Published 6-Nov-2024