Woolworths Progresses Rose Bay Shoptop Plans

Plans for a boutique shoptop apartment project in the blue-ribbon Sydney suburb of Rose Bay are forging ahead with Fabcot filing a development application for the 2257sq m site at the corner of Albemarle Avenue and Old South Head Road. 

The development arm of grocery giant Woolworths has fought hard to activate the site after an unanimous decision by the Woollahra Municipal Council to reject the planning proposal. 

The developer appealed that decision and received gateway determination this year. 

Fabcot acquired the two sites in 2019 and 2020 for a total of $27.35 million, according to CoreLogic data. 

“This boutique development of luxury oversized apartments is ideal for the local downsizers who wish to remain in their local community and now have the added convenience of a Woolworths supermarket downstairs,” planning documents said.

The construction value of the project is estimated to be more than $58 million. 

▲ A render of Fabcot's proposed 20-storey scheme at Albion.

The PBD Architects-designed project at Rose Bay is aimed at creating architecturally designed owner-occupier luxury apartments with the services, retail and infrastructure that would create a liveable community. 

The development would comprise 13 apartments above a small-format Woolworths, which would span two levels, basement parking and a pocket park. 

The development application is for the demolition of the existing buildings to make way for shoptop housing and a new grocery store at ground plane. 

Woolworths has also revealed plans for a dual tower shoptop build-to-rent play in Brisbane’s inner-north.

The proposal comprises 456 apartments rising 20 storeys, including a two-level podium with elevated subtropical urban commons and rooftop recreation terraces.

It is earmarked for the 5570sq m site of a former heritage landmark in the urban renewal precinct of Albion, about 5km north of the Brisbane CBD.