Double Bay Archives - Double Bay Today

Cross Street Carpark Debate Continues in Double Bay

A prolonged discussion on the future of the Cross Street carpark in Double Bay highlighted differing views on redevelopment and funding as councillors reviewed options for the ageing structure.

Background on the Site

Built in the 1970s, the Cross Street carpark includes community facilities, an early childhood health centre and more than 400 parking spaces. An independent assessment presented to authorities estimated remediation costs ranging from $25.6 million to $38.6 million.

During a meeting on 26 November 2025, city officials spent more than two hours debating whether adequate due diligence had been completed. The discussion referred to previous community consultation undertaken in 2023 and how it should influence current planning work.

community consultation — *Photo Credit: WoollahraCouncil/Vimeo*

Details of the Redevelopment Option

A redevelopment plan outlined by council staff proposes a $50 million rebuild funded by subdividing and selling 38 per cent of the site. The option includes a five-storey, 412-space carpark with one underground level. Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and finish in 2030.

This approach, according to the council explanation, would allow the new facility to be delivered without cost to ratepayers.

Alternative Approaches Considered

Authorities reviewed remediation options costing $26 million for a ten-year lifespan or $38 million for a 25-year extension. The debate also reflected long-standing community involvement, with some representatives noting that feedback over several decades had shaped expectations for the site. Others expressed the view that further consultation was necessary before any commitment.

Double Bay carpark redevelopment — *Photo Credit: WoollahraCouncil/Vimeo*

Community Sentiment and Meeting Outcome

Tensions during the 26 November meeting led to a short adjournment before discussion resumed. Concerns were raised about the consultation process, while others emphasised the responsibility of elected representatives to make a decision based on available information.

The meeting concluded with unanimous agreement to place the preferred redevelopment option on public exhibition, consistent with requirements for land sales under council policy.

Next Steps

Public consultation will open from 27 January to 25 February 2026 through the council’s community engagement platform. An information session will be held on 3 February 2026, providing residents with further detail on the Cross Street carpark proposal in Double Bay.

Published 7-Dec-2025

Double Bay Professor Named 2026 NSW Senior Australian of the Year

Photo Credit: UNSW Sydney

A dementia expert from Double Bay has been recognised for decades of impact in diagnosis, care and prevention, winning the 2026 NSW Senior Australian of the Year.

Community Impact

The announcement came after years of work in diagnosis, care and prevention led by Professor Henry Brodaty AO, a psychiatrist and researcher based at UNSW. He has spent decades trying to improve support for older Australians and their families.

*Photo Credit: UNSW Medicine & Health/Facebook*

His work began with his own experience after his father developed young onset dementia. He saw how little guidance existed at the time and focused his career on creating better pathways for patients and carers.

Lifelong Commitment to Dementia Care

In the 1980s, he helped create one of the nation’s first memory clinics at a time when dementia was often overlooked. He later co founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, which became a major hub for research and community education. His team also built practical tools used by general practitioners to check early memory problems.

*Photo Credit: The Royal Australasian College of Physicians/Facebook*

One of these tools became widely used and supported early testing across Australia and overseas. Research led by his group showed how a mix of exercise, nutrition, brain training and mental health support can help lower dementia risk.

Recognition Across NSW

The award was presented at a ceremony in Sydney on 11 November 2025. State officials noted the strong community influence of his work. They described how his research, clinical practice and public leadership helped shift dementia from a topic avoided in public to one discussed openly with more support for families.

*Photo Credit: Australian of the Year Awards/Facebook*

They also highlighted the role he played in guiding national planning for dementia care. UNSW shared that he viewed the honour as a way to acknowledge both his parents and the many families who live with dementia every day.

A Focus on Families

Professor Brodaty has long said that better care should support both the person with dementia and the people who look after them. His programs showed that carer training reduces stress and delays the need for residential care. His work helped shape government strategies and encouraged stronger community understanding.

He believes recent progress reflects years of effort across science, health services and family support networks. Community groups and medical organisations have praised his leadership for helping many older Australians receive earlier answers and more connected care.

Published 21-November-2025

Double Bay Skyline to Be Redefined by Record $60m Penthouse

Photo Credit: Hudson Capital

Developers are making a bold new claim that Double Bay now rivals Beverly Hills, and they are backing it with a new $60 million penthouse designed to redefine the suburb’s skyline.

The residence will be the ‘crown jewel’ atop a four-level commercial building known as Ruby House. This new development aims to more than double the suburb’s current apartment record, a $24.95 million sale set in 2022.

A New Benchmark for the Suburb

The scale of the proposed penthouse is a first for the area. It will cover 1,100 square metres on title, a size almost unheard of for apartment living. This space is reportedly split between 550 square metres of internal living space and 650 square metres of outdoor terraces.

The internal layout includes features like three-metre vaulted ceilings, a private wine cellar, a library, and a wellness retreat. The plans also include a ‘great room’ intended for large-scale entertaining.

Security and privacy are central to the design, which includes a private six-car garage and a direct lift exclusively for the penthouse. The extensive north-facing terraces, designed by landscaper Wyer & Co, will feature a spa, a full outdoor kitchen, and dining areas, all with panoramic views over Double Bay.

Changing Face of the Village

This project is the latest and most expensive example of the suburb’s ongoing evolution. Developer Charles Mellick of Fortis stated that his firm’s owner, Pallas Group, has been a key player in reshaping Double Bay over the last five years.

He believes this investment has helped turn the area into one of the country’s most desirable lifestyle precincts.

This transformation includes other significant developments, such as Pallas House on Guilfoyle Avenue. That commercial building is now home to high-profile tenants like celebrity chef Neil Perry and the popular Baker Bleu bakery.

Ed Eve, the general manager of Pallas Group, noted that Double Bay always had potential. He said it just required the right vision and investment, which he believes is now helping it become a social and cultural centre. The group’s work in the area is not finished, with plans for ‘Forum,’ a luxury co-working space, to begin operating early next year.

A ‘Beverly Hills’ Vision

Mr Mellick was bold in his comparison, stating that Double Bay is entering a new period that mirrors the glamour and polish of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

This new penthouse is seen as the landmark that defines this new standard of prestige. Alex Lyons of Raine and Horne Double Bay, who is managing the listing, described the residence as the largest and most meticulously finished penthouse in the eastern suburbs, suggesting it would be impossible to duplicate at any price.

The agents involved believe the home will suit a buyer who values high-end architecture and may live internationally, needing a secure and luxurious Sydney base.

Published Date 06-November-2025

Find Your Flow: Free Community Yoga Comes to Double Bay

Sydneysiders can soon trade the boardroom for a yoga mat at the Double Bay Sailing Club, which is hosting a free waterfront yoga series set to live acoustic music.

This new series, supported by Woollahra Council and run by the Sydney Harbour Yoga Club, invites locals to unroll their mats by the water. The free classes will run weekly from November 2025 to February 2026. Along with Double Bay, the initiative will also use waterfront spaces at Rose Bay Marina and the Vaucluse Yacht Club.

Trading the Daily Rush for a Harbour View

The “Harbour Flow” program encourages residents to swap their busy schedules for a moment of calm, turning these picturesque decks into community spaces for health. The goal is to make wellness accessible to everyone, from busy professionals to seniors, referred to as “golden warriors,” and mums after the school drop-off.

Participants can expect a unique experience that blends movement with the magic of the sea. Sessions are planned for sunrise and sunset, with special flows under the full moon. Many classes will feature live acoustic music or sound bowls to create a relaxing atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

More Than Just a Class

Each event includes a one-hour yoga class suitable for all levels, from total beginners to seasoned yogis. Following the session, attendees are invited to a casual coffee or tea social hosted by local cafés. This initiative is also designed to support the small businesses that give Woollahra its community spirit.

Karin Finlayson, founder of the Sydney Harbour Yoga Club, said the series is about bringing people together and helping them experience the harbour in a completely new way. She emphasised that the classes are for everyone, noting that attendees only need to be curious, not flexible, to join in.

How to Join the Flow

While the “Harbour Flow” sessions are free, spaces are limited, and both registration and booking are essential. Organisers have noted that as part of this specific community program, each person may attend one free class. Spots are expected to fill quickly.

The Sydney Harbour Yoga Club’s regular paid classes at all three locations will continue as normal throughout the summer. To register for the free series and receive the timetable, locals can visit the club’s website.

Published Date 28-October-2025

Storied Double Bay Hotel, Site of Celebrity and Tragedy, Set for $1bn Rebirth

Photo Credit: Cox Architecture

The Double Bay hotel that once hosted Princess Diana and saw the tragic death of Michael Hutchence will soon be gone, making way for a $1 billion mixed-use precinct after developers won final approval for its demolition.

A Landmark’s New Look

The InterContinental Hotel site at 33 Cross St, which has long been a key part of Double Bay’s identity, has received the green light for a major overhaul. The project, led by Sydney developers Eduard Litver of Capitel Group and Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group, will see the current six-storey building replaced.

In its place, a new landmark building designed by COX Architecture will be constructed. This new structure will feature a mix of high-end shops and dining, commercial offices, boutique accommodation, luxury residences, and a wellness centre. The development application, which was lodged late last year, was approved in under 12 months.

A Site Rich with History

For many, the hotel holds powerful memories. It was the preferred hotel for visiting celebrities and royalty, including the late Princess Diana, who stayed there just a year before her death. The site is also remembered as the Ritz Carlton, where, 28 years ago, INXS frontman Michael Hutchence tragically died. This approval marks the end of that specific era for the building, paving the way for a complete revitalisation.

A Focus on the Future Village

The developers behind the project expressed that the approval is a significant milestone for Double Bay’s ongoing evolution. Allen Linz said the team welcomes the decision and looks forward to creating something that enriches the local community. He stated their goal is to strengthen the area’s appeal as Sydney’s top harbourside destination.

Eduard Litver added that the project will make a lasting contribution to the village’s future. He noted that the new retail and hospitality spaces are designed to support local life and business, adding to the vitality of the area.

From Planning to Building

With the project now fully approved, the team’s attention is shifting to the next phase. Arian Galanis of Metis Group, who managed the project through the approval process, said the focus now turns to delivery. He confirmed the team is working closely with designers to bring the vision for 33 Cross Street to life, aiming to set a new benchmark for quality lifestyle-led development in Sydney.

Published Date 28-October-2025

Double Bay Welcomes Bar Torino: A New Neighbourhood Spot for Aperitivo and Dinner

Double Bay’s dining scene is about to get a new burst of Italian flavour, with Bar Torino opening its doors on Friday, 19 September. Tucked beneath the landmark Gaden House on Bay Street, the new 80-seat bar promises locals a relaxed spot where aperitivo can seamlessly stretch into dinner and late-night drinks.

Read: Neil Perry’s Margaret Named Second-Best Steak Restaurant Globally

Behind the venture are hospitality stalwarts Neil and Samantha Perry, who are introducing Bar Torino as a more casual counterpart to their acclaimed Gran Torino.

The menu is designed for sharing and lingering, featuring spuntini, antipasti and hearty piatti principali. Highlights include Ervin’s lasagne Bolognese, baked semolina gnocchi with field mushrooms and taleggio, and crumbed chicken pizzaiola with tomato and parmesan.

The drinks list celebrates simplicity and style, with a concise selection of Australian, Italian and French wines alongside signature cocktails and a strong focus on negronis. To mark Negroni Month, Bar Torino will launch with a limited-edition line-up of four variations, including the Negroni Sbagliato and Negroni Picante, paired with live DJ sets across the first two Fridays.

Designer Collette Dinnigan has given the intimate basement space a distinctly Italian spirit, layering the walls with vintage posters and commissioning a mural that stretches the length of the room as a tribute to Campari. Beyond the bar’s 80 indoor seats, an additional 30 alfresco spots overlook Bay Street, making it an inviting option for both casual drop-ins and longer evenings.

“An easy and relaxed place where aperitivo turns into dinner, and dinner into drinks,” is how Neil Perry describes the new venue — a neighbourhood bar in the heart of Double Bay with a touch of old-world Italian charm.

Read: Neil Perry Revamps Song Bird in Double Bay with Designer Collette Dinnigan

Bar Torino details
24 Bay Street, Double Bay
Wednesday & Thursday – 4pm till late
Friday to Sunday – 12pm till late

Published 19-September-2025

Double Bay Flagged for Fitness First’s Next Wellness-Focused Club

Photo Credit: Fitness First Australia

Double Bay has been identified as the potential site of Fitness First’s next flagship health and wellness club, according to a recent submission. The proposal outlines a 1,750-square-metre space that would combine gym facilities, Pilates, high-intensity training and recovery services under one membership, offering a new community hub for the suburb.

Timeline and Broader Expansion

While the Double Bay plans are yet to be independently confirmed, the timeline put forward indicates an opening in autumn 2026. The idea comes as part of Fitness & Lifestyle Group’s (FLG) ongoing investment across New South Wales.

In 2024, the company launched major upgrades including new clubs in Richmond and Balaclava, backed by a $25 million program across 14 Fitness First locations in the state.

The group has already introduced “Revive Recovery” at its Richmond flagship, featuring infrared and traditional saunas, cold plunge therapy, red-light therapy, compression boots and massage beds. The concept aims to embed recovery into members’ daily fitness routines. If progressed, Double Bay would be expected to incorporate similar services.

“The Fitness First Double Bay destination is more than just a club or a gym; it’s a taste of what the future looks like for both fitness and wellbeing and the relationship between the two,” Greg Oliver, the CEO & Managing Director of Fitness & Lifestyle Group, said. “Within the space, we’re excited to bring together cutting-edge recovery and luxury lifestyle experiences within a single membership, offering a one-serve opportunity to experience premium services at an affordable cost.”

Strength in Pilates and Training

Reform Pilates continues to be a focus for FLG, with the brand celebrating 50 studio locations across Fitness First and Goodlife in 2025. Alongside this, the Les Mills “Ceremony” program has been rolled out in select clubs, starting with Richmond, to bring boutique-style functional training into larger gyms. These offerings reflect FLG’s strategy to appeal to younger members while broadening its lifestyle-based programs.

Competitive Landscape

The Double Bay proposal arrives amid a surge of wellness-driven clubs across Sydney. Virgin Active has launched a Social Wellness Club in Bondi, combining training, recovery and social spaces, while Saint Haven has announced plans for Bondi and North Sydney by 2026. TotalFusion has also expanded its integrated health and wellness sites.

Fitness First’s potential move into Double Bay aligns with this broader trend of combining fitness and lifestyle experiences in one place.

Established in 2016, FLG now operates more than 330 locations across Asia Pacific, with over 600,000 members. Its portfolio includes Fitness First, Goodlife Health Clubs, Jetts, Zap Fitness and Barry’s. The group positions itself as focused on supporting physical, mental and emotional health in communities across the region.

Published 17-Sept-2025

Local Creative Director Secures Historic $20m Waterfront Estate in Gladswood Gardens

Photo Credit: Goodyer Real Estate

A prominent creative director has become the new owner of one of Double Bay’s most coveted waterfront properties, purchasing the historic sandstone mansion at 21 Gladswood Gardens for $20 million.

Beau Neilson, aged 38, completed the purchase in July through agents Pauline Goodyer of Goodyer Real Estate and Michael Pallier of Sotheby’s, with the sale now officially settled. The transaction marks a significant addition to the local property market, representing one of the area’s most substantial residential sales this year.

The five-bedroom estate sits on an impressive 978-square-metre block and boasts a rich local history as the former coach house of the original Gladswood Estate. The property had been held by the MacMahon family for more than four decades, having originally purchased it for $782,000 in 1983.

Neilson, who is the daughter of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson and fund manager Kerry Neilson, brings impressive credentials to the Double Bay community. She currently owns The Vanguard, a popular live music venue in Newtown, and previously served as creative director for Phoenix Central Park, her mother’s free music venue, until last year.

The property purchase comes as Neilson prepares to sell her current Chippendale residence, a converted warehouse known as The Pigeon Shed. She had transformed the 324-square-metre industrial space into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home with the help of MCK Architects, complete with an indoor pool, studio and gallery spaces. The Chippendale property is currently listed with a $19 million guide through BresicWhitney.

The Double Bay waterfront estate had previously been under contract for $21 million over a year ago, but that sale collapsed when the prospective buyer, reportedly an expatriate, was unable to sell their Hong Kong property to complete the transaction.

Buyer’s agent Tom Penfold from Cohen Handler, who secured the property for Neilson, indicated that his client was immediately drawn to the estate’s character and potential. The new owner is expected to undertake sympathetic renovations while preserving the property’s historic charm before moving in.

The sale adds to Double Bay’s reputation as one of Sydney’s most desirable waterfront locations, with the suburb continuing to attract high-profile residents seeking luxury harbour-side living combined with convenient access to the area’s renowned shopping and dining precincts.

The transaction demonstrates the ongoing strength of Sydney’s premium property market, particularly for rare waterfront holdings in established harbourside suburbs.

Published 11-August-2025

Double Bay Waterfront Mansion Sells for $2M Less After Initial Deal Collapses

Photo Credit: Goodyer Real Estate

A prestigious waterfront mansion in Double Bay has finally found a new owner after a dramatic 15-month journey that saw the initial sale collapse, leaving the vendors $2 million out of pocket.

The historic sandstone residence at 21 Gladswood Gardens, originally the coach house of the renowned Gladswood Estate, has sold for $20 million after an earlier agreement for $22 million fell through last year.

The five-bedroom property, sitting on a substantial 978-square-metre waterfront block, had been home to the MacMahon family for more than four decades after they purchased it in 1983 for $782,000 – a sum that seems almost quaint by today’s standards.

The property’s winding path to sale reflects some of the challenges facing Sydney’s premium property market. The initial buyer, an expatriate, was unable to complete the purchase due to complications with selling their Hong Kong property, leaving the vendors back at square one despite having agreed terms over a year ago.

Cohen Handler buyer’s agent Tom Penfold stepped in to secure the property for his eastern suburbs client, capitalising on the reduced asking price. According to Penfold, his client was immediately taken with the property’s character and potential.

The new owner, described as appreciating both the building’s heritage charm and untapped possibilities, plans to undertake sympathetic renovations whilst preserving the property’s historic sandstone character. Sources close to the sale indicate she intends to move into the residence following careful restoration work.

This Double Bay transaction mirrors a similar situation in neighbouring Vaucluse, where another high-end property has experienced comparable setbacks. The residence at 31 Vaucluse Road, previously owned by investor William Wu, also saw an initial sale agreement collapse before eventually selling for approximately $3 million less than originally agreed.

Wu and his property developer mother Jing Wang assembled an impressive $100 million portfolio across the eastern suburbs in 2021, including the Vaucluse property which they acquired for $13.32 million. The six-bedroom mansion, featuring seven bathrooms and an eight-car garage on an 879-square-metre block with harbour views, initially carried a $23.8 million guide in 2023.

After exchanging at around $24 million, that deal also fell through, with the property eventually selling through Bradfield BadgerFox agents Alexander George and Peter Leipnik for approximately $21 million to a local buyer.

These cases highlight some volatility in Sydney’s luxury property market, where high-value transactions can be particularly susceptible to buyer financing issues and international market conditions. Recent analysis suggests Sydney’s eastern suburbs property market is experiencing low volume but rising demand in 2025, with the biggest uplifts concentrated in North Sydney, the eastern suburbs and the inner west.

Domain forecasts that house and unit prices will rise by 4-6% in Sydney in 2025, up from the 3.2% increase posted in 2024 but down from approximately 10% in 2023, suggesting the market may be entering a more stable phase.

For the MacMahon family, whilst the final sale price was $2 million below their initial agreement, the transaction still represents a remarkable return on their 1983 investment, reflecting the enduring appeal of Double Bay’s premier waterfront locations.

The sale reinforces Double Bay’s position as one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses, where historic properties with harbour frontage continue to attract buyers willing to pay premium prices, even in challenging market conditions.

Published 28-July-2025

Neil Perry to Replace Song Bird in Double Bay with New Italian Restaurant

Photo Credit: Song Bird Double Bay/ Instagram

Renowned restaurateur Neil Perry will close his large-scale Chinese restaurant Song Bird, replacing it with a new Italian dining concept at the same Double Bay address after determining the original venture was unsuitable for the local area.

A Strategic Shift in Dining

The final service for the ambitious Cantonese restaurant, Song Bird, is scheduled for Sunday, August 3rd. Neil Perry stated that the concept of a three-level Chinese establishment in Double Bay had ultimately missed the mark. He also noted that the complexity of managing a venue of that size was a significant factor in the decision to change direction. The move is seen as a strategic pivot to better cater to the local community’s tastes and the operational realities of the site.

This change follows the earlier closure of Bobbie’s, a cocktail bar located in the same building, which was also part of a broader move by Perry to concentrate his focus on his main restaurant ventures in the precinct.

The Arrival of Gran Torino

In its place, the Gaden House location will be transformed into an Italian eatery named Gran Torino. The new restaurant will draw on Perry’s extensive experience with Italian flavours and cooking. To ensure a successful launch, the kitchen will be guided by the senior team from Perry’s highly successful neighbouring restaurant, Margaret.

Margaret’s executive chef, Richard Purdue, and head chef, Ervin Mumujesi, will oversee the new Italian venture. This connection promises to bring a proven standard of quality and execution to Gran Torino, creating a complementary dining experience within Perry’s Double Bay portfolio.

Evolution of the Perry Precinct

The transition involves a key personnel change, with Song Bird’s head chef, Mark Lee, moving to the head chef position at Margaret. This keeps his culinary skills within the Perry group. The decision to close Song Bird comes after a challenging initial period for the restaurant, which opened ahead of schedule with an incomplete setup.

Perry had previously brought in designer Collette Dinnigan to improve the venue’s acoustics and expanded the menu beyond Cantonese cuisine in an effort to refine the offering. This latest move marks a definitive step towards creating a more cohesive and suitable collection of dining venues for the neighbourhood.

Published Date 07-July-2025