Welcome to the future of Sydney: Beautiful art deco mansion to be demolished to make way for dull glass apartment block
Angry Australians have criticized plans to demolish an iconic Art Deco building to make way for a four-storey apartment block as an “act of vandalism”.
Locals from Sydney’s upmarket eastern suburbs are fighting to save a 1930s Art Deco house at 68 Beach Road, Coogee, from being lost forever.
An application to redevelop the demountable building was submitted to Randwick City Council on November 9 and is still under consideration.
The developers plan to “demolish all existing buildings on the site and construct a four-story residential apartment building with six apartments with underground parking.”
Sydney-based construction company Orosi is behind the plans, having already completed similar projects in the nearby suburbs of Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill.
A side-by-side comparison of the current Art Deco building and the proposed modern apartment building quickly attracted the attention of angry locals.
Coogee residents in Sydney’s upscale eastern suburbs are now fighting to save the 1930s Art Deco house at 68 Beach Road from complete destruction.
Rendering of a proposed apartment building to replace a 1930s Art Deco house.
“Tearing down a beautiful old building for something that has no charm or character,” one said.
“It should be listed as a heritage site. A shameful act of vandalism,” added a second.
“I don’t know how the other houses on the street feel about it, but it definitely means the end of Beach Street. And luxurious, expensive apartments will not solve the housing crisis!” said the third.
“I was inside it. The staircase is simply magnificent. This is such a majestic building. More of Kuja’s character is gone,” said another.
The building dates back to the 1930s and was originally built as a detached home before being converted into a duplex.
The two-story building has a polychrome brick facade and a large entrance hall decorated with Art Deco motifs.
The six-bedroom home last sold for $4.5 million on November 6, 2017.
The hotel has stunning ocean views, and Coogee Beach and nearby shops, cafes and restaurants are just 400 meters away.
The six-bedroom home last sold for $4.5 million on November 6, 2017.
The hotel has stunning ocean views. Coogee Beach is just 400 meters away.
“Situated high and proud overlooking Gordons Bay, this substantial five or six-bedroom home is a design lover’s dream with its eclectic mix of Art Deco glamor and laid-back beach luxury,” reads the listing on Realestate.com.
“Ideal for a growing family, elegant curved lines take center stage, allowing the building’s traditional architecture to be complemented by fresh coastal-style interiors and fresh air flow indoors and outdoors with sun terraced gardens.
“With direct access via Beach Lane to triple covered parking, this unique residence is located just meters from the beach.”
The proposed demolition application has been submitted to the Heritage Planning Board, Landscape Specialist, Planning and Design Commission.
“The elegant development will replace the existing older two-story residential buildings with six modern residential units, meeting the R3 medium-density residential zoning,” the plans say.
“Importantly, the proposal includes three affordable housing developments, complementing the surrounding development and increasing the availability and affordability of housing in the area.
“The design integrates well with the existing and developing streetscape and represents a transition between the different building densities and architectural styles on Beach Street.”
The preliminary review of the application has not yet been completed.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Orosi for comment.