The dapper co-founder of fitness franchise F45 has won a bid to develop a faded patch of Bondi real estate into a towering luxury retail and apartment complex.
Rob Deutsch bought 56 Campbell Parade in 2021 for almost $20.65 million – and now the Land and Environment Court has given him the green light to turn it from a three-storey building into an upscale hub.
The court upheld his appeal against Waverley Council’s decision to block the project after Mr Deutsch held a conciliation conference earlier this month that led to an agreement between the parties.
This approval comes despite previous concerns from the council, including violations of the site’s height restrictions and potential overshadowing of neighboring homes.
A report presented at a council meeting also reportedly noted concerns from local residents about the potential impact on Bondi Beach’s historic streetscape, construction noise and the extent of excavations required for the redevelopment.
The original building is not listed but was considered a contributing building within the Bondi Beach Heritage Conservation area, the report said.
The existing facade of the building, oriented towards the beach, will be retained. But a substantial demolition at the rear of the building will make way for a striking development conceived by architectural firm Nicholas + Associates.
The $5 million redevelopment project is planned to span five levels and include four apartments, along with retail spaces over two levels.
Rob and his partner Nicole spent big last year and bought luxury real estate in the Emerald City
The front of the complex remains largely untouched, but the rear is getting a major facelift
According to the plans, the building will house four apartments and a retail space two floors below
The site currently has four rental units, with Preach Cafe on the ground floor.
Examining the latest development plans, the court found that changes to the original proposal addressed previous concerns.
It also allowed for a slight height increase of 1.73 meters above the 15 meter limit, which would be acceptable and unobtrusive to neighbours.
“Despite the excess height, the scale of the building will fit in with the surrounding context and adjacent locations,” the court ruled.
According to the plans, the new project will offer better amenities than currently available, while the design respects the original building and contributes to the architectural diversity of the suburb.
The plans also propose adding high-quality facilities that are in the public interest.
Mr Deutsch already owns a number of multi-million dollar properties in the port city and last year went on a spending spree, buying up stunning apartments across Sydney.