A five-storey co-living development has been revealed for Sydney’s blue-ribbon Potts Point.
Project proponent Fluffy Investments is owned by director Ramzey Choker. He’s no stranger to putting Sydney properties on the map. One of his eateries, The Grounds of Alexandria, was recently named by Betway as the world’s most Instagrammable restaurant.
His proposed $3.6-million co-living project wants to “redefine city living in Sydney”.
Co-living is a shared living arrangement featuring private rooms and communal spaces. Residents have shared amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and often gyms or event areas. The focus is on community building with shared experiences and activities.
The Potts Point proposal comprises ground level internal and external communal spaces and a manager’s workspace, five studio rooms per floor on levels one to three; and two accessible rooms and two studio rooms on level 4.
According to the proposal, the development will accommodate 19 lodgers with a minimum three-month tenancy requirement. No parking is provided.
The site at 23 Hughes Street was most recently home to a 19-room hostel, The Palms Backpackers, and is on a 284sq m site with a north rear aspect. The backpackers would be demolished under the plans now before the City of Sydney Council.
That building was part of the Orwell House Estate—one of the early grand homes in the area. An application to develop the site in 2022 was refused on built form and heritage grounds.
However, a heritage assessment report by heritage expert Paul Davies justifies demolition of the existing building, as it has undergone a range of “intrusive upgrades” that no longer qualify it for heritage protection.
Filed by The Planning Studio and architects EM BE CE, the proposal emphasises communal space and sustainability, including sustainable transportation options. The project provides much needed alternative housing for the City of Sydney, according to EM BE CE director Chi Melhem.
“The ambition of the design is to create a new contemporary brick building which respects the existing materiality and character of Potts Point,” Melhem said.
The site is near Macleay Street (Darlinghurst Road) and Victoria Street, and their bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, retail, and commercial spaces.
The Planning Studio partner Kate Bartlett said the project “aligns with the evolving needs of modern city dwellers and aims to set new standards for co-living spaces in Sydney”.
Also in the suburb in 3km east of the Sydney CBD, Time & Place is on its way to court over its planned eight-storey Potts Point project.
The developer has renotified amended plans with the City of Sydney Council as part of the Statement of Facts and Contentions (SoFC) process, prior to its case being heard at the Land and Environment Court (LEC).
The original plans proposed a shoptop residential development of 28 apartments at 45-53 Macleay Street over nine storeys, and were lodged in October, 2022.
