NSW Bensoc’s Apartments for Life plan runs into local opposition
A proposed high-rise retirement village to cater for low-income elderly people in Bondi has raised the ire of the development’s neighbours, who say it will hurt land values and increase traffic congestion.
The Benevolent Society revealed its preferred plans for the development of the Ocean Street site at a community meeting.
Waverley Mayor Ingrid Strewe was present at the meeting, at which many of the 60 participants who live in an adjoining apartment raised objections.
The Apartments for Life project consists of 127 apartments in two buildings that “step” from four to 10 storeys.
Forty per cent of the Bensoc apartments will be made available for elderly people on low to moderate incomes.
The development also includes a public café, hairdresser, gym and general store and half the area will be publicly accessible open space surrounding the heritage-listed Scarba House.
Neighbour and real estate agent Reuben Solomon said apartments that lost their ocean views could drop in value by up to 35%.
