Knox Street Approval Adds to Double Bay Shoptop Surge

The “shoptopification” of Double Bay continues in the wake of the $1-billion mixed-use redevelopment of the suburb’s InterContinental Hotel winning approval.  

The green light for a $31-million mixed-use apartment block at Knox Street and an application for a six-storey office and retail project on New South Head are among the latest proposals for the blue-ribbon suburb in Sydney's east.

The approval for the plans at 38-41 Knox Street by Iluka Property paves the way for nine units and three retail spaces with a total gross floor area of 1874.4 square metres. A floor space ratio of 3.2:1 was allowed, exceeding the local limit of 2.5:1.

Meanwhile, plans for a mixed-use office block featuring a combined 2180sq m have been filed.

The project, dubbed Astra House, proposes the redevelopment of the buildings at 342-44, 346, and 348-350 New South Head Road at a cost of works of $11.3 million.

The proposal comprises ground-floor food and beverage, four floors of individually tenanted office space and rooftop dining.

The application seeks a height of 23.3m, which is 58.5 per cent above the site’s limit of 14.7 metres. It also proposes FSR of 3.52:1, about 40 per cent above the limit of 2.5:1.

Astra House proponent Mark Hovey told The Urban Developer that “there’s a strong demand for this type of strata office product in Double Bay, for 80-150sq m offices”.

“We’re long-term locals, we certainly understand the type of quality that’s required in Double Bay. 

“We’re making it in keeping with that, we’re looking at all sorts of beautiful building materials, and we think it’s going to be a beacon for Double Bay.”

▲ Developer Mark Hovey says cross-laminated timber may be an option for his proposed Astra House project at Double Bay.

Developers are leading the charge in the area’s transformation. The Woollahra Council has supported greater height and density in its Double Bay Centre Planning and Urban Design Strategy, but projects are often pushing LEP limits and occasionally running up against the vagaries of the council process. 

A number of developers have turned to Land and Environment Court judgements to progress proposals. 

Hovey said that the trend towards higher buildings on New South Head Road and surrounding streets made sense for the area and its changing uses.

“I think it’s inevitable that there’ll be higher development, whether residential or commercial,” Hovey said.

Proposed rezoning around the Woollahra train station, abandoned in 1979 part-way through construction, would introduce another 10,000 homes into the area.

That proposal will be exhibited in 2026, but is mooted to apply to a 400m radius around Edgecliff Station and 800m around Woollahra station.