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.
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