Peter Sheridan is the founder,chairman of the Potts Point Preservation Group
The PPPG is currently collaborating with the National Trust (NSW) to create a Heritage Conservation Area over the 1sq km precinct of Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay
RATIONALE
The precinct of Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay is unique in Australia by virtue of its exceptional architectural heritage, its cultural and social history, as well as its demographics, location and amenities. The 1 sq km area with 18,000 residents is the ideal template for low-rise high density living in Sydney with 98% of residents living in apartments and no super high-rise buildings. The two suburbs display a unique representation of Sydney’s architectural styles from colonial to mid-century. The area contains significant 19th century buildings, but, as well, more than 100 important Art Deco (1930-1940) and Modernist (1960-1970) apartment buildings which provide the foundation for the diversity and liveability of this community.
Protection for 20th century buildings in NSW is either insubstantial or absent with the recent loss of the State heritage listed Art Deco Minerva/Metro Theatre a prime example. An increasing number of apartment buildings are currently under unnecessary threat of demolition, with recent contemporary developments in the area proposing reducing the number of apartments by over 50% and having no studios or one-bedroom apartments available for rental or purchase. Six current projects will see 196 apartments cut to 69 - a loss to the area of 127 apartments. This decrease in affordable housing is forcing less-affluent, long-term residents out of the area and changing the broad demographic balance and diversity of the neighbourhood.
The precinct of Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Kings Cross is a living kaleidoscope of the changing urban character of Sydney from colonial times to today. So many local features have important historic and continuing social and cultural significance for Sydney and are reflected in the architecture, amenities, topography, demographics and the extraordinary mix of residents.
Other places such as Napier in New Zealand and Miami South Beach have similar hubs of Art Deco buildings and these localities are considered world class heritage sites. The Art Deco buildings in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay alone are unique in Australia without considering, as well, the contribution of the the Colonial and Modernist buildings. It is important to recognise that the collective importance of all these buildings in this tiny locality creates a totality far more significant than each building considered alone.
This intense and self-contained harbourside village has tree-lined streets and parks, is pedestrian friendly and with a vibrant café and restaurant scene that attracts locals, Sydneysiders and tourists. Recognising and embracing the historic fabric of this area will not only maintain the harmony and diversity of the community but as a favoured destination will add to the prosperity, equity and sustainability of the City of Sydney.
OBJECTIVES
- A VOICE FOR THE RESIDENTS
The Potts Point Preservation Group aims to be a cohesive, balanced and effective voice for all those who live and work in Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Kings Cross. We are all locals and have no political bias or agenda. We are not against progress or change, but it should be appropriate and support the special attributes of the community.
- NEW URBAN PLAN – CREATING A HERITAGE PRECINCT
The PPPG wants greater recognition of Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay as a special living and historical community requiring specific protection and preservation. PPPG wants to work with State Government and City Council in the preparation of a new urban plan for Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Kings Cross that identifies and endorses its collective distinctive architectural heritage, historical features, social significance and contemporary amenities. This plan will guide and support appropriate development, density and activities in the precinct.
- MAINTAIN HOUSING STOCK, AFFORDABILITY AND DIVERSITY
Current redevelopments in the area are resulting in major loss of housing stock with attendant elimination of affordable accommodation. The loss of long-term, less-affluent residents is impacting on the diversity of the neighbourhood which is one of its most attractive and enduring features. All this is at complete odds with State Government policy to increase affordable housing in Sydney. We want to maintain housing stock, preserve affordable housing (particularly studios and one-bedroom apartments) and retain the broad diversity of our residents.
- RAISE PROFILE OF THE AREA AS A TOURIST DESTINATION
The goal is to maintain the innate beauty and liveability of the precinct and to foster an understanding and appreciation of its unique attributes. With its harbour setting close to the CBD, it has an exciting, bustling and eclectic vibe with the residential and commercial elements closely intertwined. The small footprint (1 sq. km) makes it the perfect place to walk and explore the tree-lined streets and family and pet-friendly parks. Everywhere one is surrounded by examples of Sydney’s architectural and social history from colonial times to mid-20th century and at the same time choose from a smorgasbord of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Sydney. The area is a harmonious home to the widest range of residents from wealthy to the less affluent and proud of its broad diversity. We want to raise the profile of the area so that it can be seen as a landmark heritage and socially significant locality and promoted as an important destination for Sydneysiders and tourists.
- HERITAGE PROTECTION FOR OUR SIGNIFICANT 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE
The recent failure to protect the NSW State heritage listed Minerva/Metro Theatre (to become a token façade in a new hotel) highlights the limitations and weakness of heritage protection in New South Wales. The PPG will advocate for proper heritage protection for 20thcentury architecture, particularly Art Deco and Modernist buildings in the Potts Point / Elizabeth Bay Area.
- FOSTER HIGH-RISE REDEVELOPMENT OF KINGS CROSS
Kings Cross (Darlinghurst Rd area) is an integral part of the neighbourhood but clearly in need of significant revitalisation that should still retain its connection to Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay. It could be redeveloped for high-rise living in a way that still preserves its commercial street level activities, including many of the central services needed by Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay residents. We would like to assist State, City Council and property owners in effecting the regeneration of Kings Cross.
