Homes, James — Local Paddo

One of the last remaining parcels of vacant land in Woollahra will be reshaped into an enormous $170 million residential precinct. Bullish eastern suburbs developer Fortis has consolidated 14 different titles on a triangular wedge of James St, Woollahra, that backs on to Oxford St, opposite Centennial Park.

The site contains a roomy plot of land currently used as a carpark, several dilapidated heritage buildings and an erstwhile 1880s theatre that will be repurposed into a $20 million mansion.

Fortis director Charles Mellick has promised to preserve and refurbish the existing heritage properties, including the gothic theatre which is presently in a state of disrepair and has served as a residential property for some decades.

“We will be preserving the best architectural elements of the site so it can be enjoyed by future generations,” Mellick says.

Aside from restoring the existing buildings, Fortis will build a collection of luxury residences, comprising two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The interiors of the new developments will be done by well-regarded Bondi Junction design outfit Alexander & Co.

“This is the first time off-the-plan apartments of this scale are being offered in Woollahra, also marking the biggest square metre regeneration in this suburb,” Mellick says.

“Our aim with this project is to be sympathetic to its heritage and context, ensuring that the existing buildings are restored. A new build on the site will feature a collection of premium apartments, bringing together unparalleled quality and premium amenities in a location where new apartments are few and far between.”

Mellick says the site was secured after 12 months of negotiations with individual owners, with the 14 lots acquired for about $50 million. It is the largest consolidation of land in Woollahra to date.

The restoration of the theatre will be undertaken by Mim Design, with the result expected to create one of the area’s most prized 'single trophy residences'.

Its interiors will be an “ode to the historic grandeur of the original property, complete with its own basement, tunnel cellar, internal landscaped courtyards and pool. We are grateful to Woollahra Council and the wider community for supporting us in our vision for this site,” Mellick says.

Fortis is one of the most aggressive developers in the eastern suburbs, with $4 billion in developments ongoing in Edgecliff, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Double Bay and elsewhere.

UPDATE: In May 2023, 80 Oxford St, renamed Ox House, was sold off the plan for $16.5 million to a “professional couple” downsizing from Vaucluse.