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81-Year-Old Homeowner at Centre of Bronte Development Debate

A proposed redevelopment in Bronte has shifted from a small luxury housing project to plans for around 120 apartments, drawing concern from residents and bringing renewed attention to homeowner Patricia Rosenbrock, 81, who has publicly opposed selling her property. The proposal has become a focal point in a wider discussion about housing growth, infrastructure and neighbourhood character in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The site at 122-128 Hewlett Street (DA-304/2022/A) has been earmarked for redevelopment for several years. Earlier plans involved replacing existing apartment buildings with a much smaller number of luxury homes. Planning records and court documents show the site had already secured approval for a lower-density redevelopment before a larger apartment proposal emerged.

The development was later declared a State Significant Development, allowing it to be assessed at a state level. However, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has stated that this declaration is not an approval and does not guarantee that approval will ultimately be granted.

A Homeowner’s Stand Draws National Attention

Rosenbrock, has lived in her Bronte home for about 30 years and has consistently stated that she does not intend to sell. Her position gained national attention after being featured on “A Current Affair,” where she spoke about her desire to remain in the home she has occupied for decades.

Some reports suggest other owners have been open to discussions about a collective sale, while Rosenbrock has maintained her opposition to selling. Her stance has become one of the most recognisable aspects of the redevelopment debate, particularly among residents concerned about the pace and scale of change in the area.

Media reports have indicated that offers linked to the redevelopment are valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Despite the financial incentives involved, Rosenbrock has continued to oppose selling her property.

Residents Raise Questions About Bronte’s Future

For some residents, the debate extends beyond a single property. Bronte has long been characterised by its low-rise streetscape, beach lifestyle and tightly held housing market. The prospect of a development containing around 120 apartments has prompted discussion about how the suburb could change if the proposal moves forward.

Community members have raised concerns about traffic, parking, infrastructure and the scale of the proposed development. The Bronte Community Association has argued that while additional housing is needed, projects should be planned with local conditions and infrastructure in mind.

The association’s founder, D’Leanne Lewis, has publicly questioned how a project that was previously approved at a much smaller scale evolved into a proposal for around 120 apartments. Community representatives have also called for more information about the planning process and future consultation opportunities.

Council and Community Voices Enter the Debate

The proposal has also attracted attention from the local government. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has expressed concern about developments of this scale in Bronte, suggesting larger projects may be more appropriate in areas with greater transport capacity and existing high-density infrastructure.

Planning documents published show the site has been the subject of ongoing discussions involving redevelopment, housing outcomes and community contributions. The council process has become part of a broader conversation about how growth should be managed across Sydney’s established suburbs.

Residents who oppose the proposal have raised concerns about whether Bronte’s roads, parking and public infrastructure could support a development of this scale. The proposal also sits within wider efforts to increase housing supply across Sydney, including through projects that incorporate affordable housing.

Housing Supply Remains Part of the Discussion

Developer Fortis originally acquired the site with plans for a smaller luxury housing project, according to company announcements and industry reporting. More recent reports indicate the company is exploring a substantially larger apartment development that could include affordable housing components.

Fortis has said it consults with councils and stakeholders throughout the planning process and has stated that it does not pressure owners to sell their properties.

Under New South Wales strata laws, collective sales can proceed under certain circumstances if at least 75 per cent of owners support a proposal and legal requirements are met. Any future process would remain subject to assessment and court oversight.

Published 24-May-2026

Bronte Shared Bike Bays Set To Stay After Parking Trial

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Bronte’s shared bike parking bays are set to become a permanent part of the area’s transport layout after a six-month trial helped give riders clearer places to leave bikes and keep busy footpaths easier to use.

Bronte Shared Bike Parking Becomes Part of The Beachside Routine

Around Bronte Beach, shared bikes have become part of everyday movement, used by riders making short local trips through one of Waverley’s busiest coastal areas. But as dockless bikes became more common, so did the problem of bikes being left across footpaths and public spaces.

A six-month trial of designated shared bike parking has now been marked as successful, with the parking bays set to become permanent. The trial introduced marked areas where riders could leave bikes at the end of a trip, rather than placing them in locations that could make pedestrian access harder.

Bronte Beach was one of the areas included in the shared bike parking program. Across the wider trial area, 60 dedicated parking locations were installed, with capacity for about 500 shared bikes.

The aim was straightforward: keep shared bikes available for residents and visitors while making parking more orderly in high-pedestrian areas.

Bronte shared bike parking — *Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil*

Bronte Beach Bays Respond To A Growing Transport Habit

Shared bikes are short-term hire bikes unlocked through mobile apps. In Sydney, they operate on a dockless system, meaning riders do not need to return them to a fixed station after use.

That flexibility has helped make shared bikes increasingly popular across Waverley, where about one million trips were recorded in 2025. The same system, however, has also led to bikes being left in unsuitable places.

The Bronte shared bike parking approach gives riders clearer parking expectations. In Restricted Parking Zones, bikes must be left in designated bays, with operators using app prompts and penalties when bikes are parked elsewhere.

Those penalties may include extra charges, fines or account suspension for repeat offences.

Bondi Beach shared bike parking — *Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil*

On-street And Off-street Spaces Shape The Trial

The parking areas used in the trial include both on-street and off-street spaces.

On-street bays use kerbside space and are often placed in existing No Stopping zones to reduce the effect on car parking. In some cases, car parking has been reallocated, with one car space able to hold about 10 to 15 shared bikes.

These areas are marked with signs, line marking and bollards.

Off-street bays are used where there is enough footpath width, or where an on-street bay would have too much impact on traffic movement or parking. These spaces are marked with line marking.

For Bronte, the result is a more defined system for a transport option already being used across the area.

More Shared Bike Bays Proposed

Feedback on the trial was described as strongly positive, with support for further expansion and stronger management of shared bike parking.

A further 36 parking areas are now proposed across the wider area, enough to accommodate about 400 additional shared bikes. The feedback period ran from Monday, 2 February 2026 to Monday, 2 March 2026.

The current shared bike operators listed for Waverley are Lime, HelloRide and Ario. The bikes are privately operated, while riders are expected to use them safely and park them in designated spaces where available.

The permanent shift means shared bike parking is no longer being treated as a temporary fix. It is becoming part of how the beachside area manages short trips, busy footpaths and the growing use of dockless bikes.

Published 6-May-2026

Major Bronte Surf Club Upgrade Takes Shape At Bronte Beach

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

At Bronte Beach, the long-awaited Bronte Surf Club upgrade is taking clearer shape this month, with seawall works, structural construction and in-ground services progressing across the beachfront site.

Bronte Surf Club Upgrade Takes Shape at The Beach

The Bronte Surf Club upgrade is moving through a significant May construction stage, as the new club building and community facilities continue to rise from a site that has already seen the former clubhouse demolished.

The project marks a major change for Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, which was founded in 1903 and is recognised by many historians as one of Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving establishments. Its former clubhouse, built about five decades ago, was no longer fit for purpose and is now being replaced with a modern multi-purpose facility.

The redevelopment has also received two additional grants totalling $785,617, adding further support to the wider upgrade now underway at Bronte Beach.

Seawall and Structural Works Continue Through May

Construction is now focused on several key parts of the site. Substructure works to the main building have significantly advanced, while in-ground services are continuing as planned.

The lift pit has been completed and waterproofed, and seawall works are continuing as part of the broader beachfront upgrade. An electrical substation has also been delivered to the site, with excavation and footing works for the substation underway.

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club — *Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil*

This month’s works include further seawall construction, concrete slab pours and continued structural works to the main building. Crews are also finalising remaining in-ground services, completing substation works and running submains from the building to Bronte Road.

New Lifesaving Facilities at Bronte Beach

The new Bronte Surf Club building is designed to improve lifeguard operational areas, public amenities and lifesaving infrastructure.

The project also includes upgrades to the promenade, seawall and footpaths, extending the works beyond the clubhouse itself and across the surrounding beachfront area.

The total project cost is listed at $32.349 million. About $23.65 million is allocated to the building component, while about $8.7 million is allocated to surrounding works, including the seawall and public area upgrades.

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is contributing $7.596 million through its own funds and grant funding. The remaining project contribution is listed at $24.754 million.

Historic Club Moves Towards a New Home

Construction started in 2025 after detailed design and procurement work. Temporary facilities are now in place at Bronte for lifeguards, maintenance crews and the project contractor while the redevelopment continues.

The new clubhouse and community facilities are due to be completed in 2027.

For Bronte, the current works mark another visible step in a long-running project that is reshaping one of Sydney’s established surf lifesaving sites while preparing it for future lifesaving, beach and community use.

Published 6-May-2026

Tamarama’s Waterfall House Sold to Ronan Keating for $6.3 Million

Photo Credit: PPD Real Estate

A heritage property known as Waterfall House in Tamarama has been purchased by Ronan Keating and his wife Storm Keating for $6.3 million.

A Secluded Setting Above Tamarama Beach

Positioned above Tamarama Beach, the multi-level residence sits within a rainforest setting on a 417 square metre block, with direct pathway access to the shoreline. The home was originally constructed in 1920 as a beach cottage and is located within the natural landscape of Tamarama Gully.

The dwelling retains heritage elements including ornate ceilings and leadlight windows, alongside modern updates that shape its current layout.

Tamarama Waterfall House — *Photo Credit: PPD Real Estate*

Two Residences Across One Coastal Property

Waterfall House is arranged across two levels, comprising a three-bedroom main residence and a separate two-bedroom garden apartment. The configuration allows for independent living zones within the same property.

Key features include limewashed oak flooring, an open-plan living area that extends to an outdoor terrace, and a Calacatta marble kitchen. The lower level opens onto landscaped gardens and includes an outdoor bathroom, while the north-facing garden overlooks the gully’s waterfall.

Ronan Keating — *Photo Credit: PPD Real Estate*

Ownership History and Property Details

The Tamarama property last changed hands in 2010 for $1.73 million when it was acquired by filmmaker David Klaiber and Michaela Klaiber. The recent transaction represents a substantial increase from that earlier sale.

The residence is accessed on foot, a feature that contributes to its secluded setting within the coastal environment.

Link to Nearby Coastal Living

The purchase follows the couple’s time living in a nearby Bronte rental property. The Tamarama acquisition places them within the same coastal area.

The couple also hold properties outside Australia.

Published 7-Apr-2026

Bronte Beach Development Paused as Larger Apartment Scheme Is Explored

Photo Credit: Fortis

Work at a residential site near Bronte Beach has been paused after an approved low-density housing project was set aside while a higher-density apartment proposal is explored at 122–128 Hewlett Street.

Background And Context

The Hewlett Street site was previously approved for a low-density residential development comprising 10 self-contained dwellings on a 2,472 square metre parcel of land. Work was underway under that approval before being paused mid-construction as an alternative development approach was considered.

The shift followed the introduction of a planning pathway that allows certain residential projects to be assessed outside the usual local development process. In response, the proponent began pursuing a proposal involving a significantly higher number of homes on the same site.

apartment proposal — *Photo Credit: Fortis*

Revised Proposal Under Consideration

The revised concept involves between 100 and 120 apartments across buildings ranging from four to nine storeys. The site is located about 300 metres from Bronte Beach, within a coastal residential area characterised by narrow, split-level streets and limited vehicle access.

No architectural design has been lodged at this stage. Instead, a building envelope has been prepared to demonstrate the maximum height and scale that could be accommodated on the site, rather than a final building layout or design.

Hewlett Street Bronte — *Photo Credit: Fortis*

Planning Status

The proposal has been taken into the state significant development process following consideration by the Housing Delivery Authority. This status does not constitute approval and does not allow construction to recommence.

Environmental and technical assessments are still required before a formal development application can be submitted. Public exhibition and community consultation will only occur once that application is lodged and supporting documentation is complete.

Bronte Beach development — *Photo Credit: Fortis*

Local Response

Residents have raised concerns about the implications of a development of this scale so close to Bronte Beach, particularly in relation to traffic volumes, parking demand and road safety. Additional issues raised include potential impacts on privacy, sunlight and views for neighbouring properties, as well as the visual scale of taller buildings within the surrounding landscape.

Concerns have also been expressed about increased activity on Hewlett Street, with residents pointing to the constraints of the existing road network.

What Happens Next

The site remains inactive while further studies are undertaken. The proposal cannot progress to public exhibition or determination until a formal application is lodged and assessed.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Kriv Stenders to Direct Country Music Film ‘Little Miracles’ for Bronte Studios

Australian director Kriv Stenders has signed on to direct Little Miracles, a new country music drama set to bring together Bronte Studios and First Option Pictures, with filming scheduled to begin in 2026.

The feature is based on an original concept by producer Mark Morrissey and has been written by Steve Worland and Jeremy Sims. Morrissey will produce the film through First Option Pictures alongside Bronte Studios producers Blake Northfield and Michelle Krumm.

Creative Team Comes Together

Stenders is no stranger to Australian audiences, having previously directed films including Red Dog, Danger Close and The Correspondent. The latter earned 14 nominations at this year’s Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.

The writing team also brings strong local credentials. Worland is known for Paper Planes, while Sims wrote Last Cab to Darwin.

Producers said the project reflects the importance of country music to Australian storytelling, noting that while Australia is one of the world’s largest country music markets, the genre has rarely been explored on screen.

They said Stenders felt like a natural fit for the film, pointing to earlier Australian stories that blend music, landscape and character, including Slim & I, Boy from the Bush and Red Dog.

Director’s Vision

Stenders said the film appealed to him because of its focus on the emotional connection between music and storytelling.

He described Little Miracles as a celebration of how songs can bring people together and turn personal moments into shared experiences, saying the combination of music and story is one of cinema’s most powerful tools.

Music and Distribution Locked In

Veteran composer David Hirschfelder has joined the project as music director and composer. Hirschfelder’s past credits include Strictly Ballroom, Australia and The Dressmaker.

Rialto Distribution has secured theatrical distribution rights for Australia and has committed to a wide cinema release.

Further casting announcements and production details are expected closer to the film’s 2026 shoot.

Studios Behind the Project

Bronte Studios’ recent work includes Beast of War, with action thriller Train and feature film Dogs of War currently in pre-production.

First Option Pictures was founded by Morrissey to develop commercially focused film and television projects.

Published 26-December-2025

Bronte Beach Stays Calm as Christmas Crowds Head Elsewhere

Bronte Beach stayed quiet and orderly on Christmas Day after a public appeal from Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh encouraged revellers to give the area a miss. Instead, large festive crowds gathered along the Coogee foreshore.

While thousands of backpackers in Christmas outfits were seen celebrating at Coogee, Bronte avoided the kind of unauthorised gathering that caused concern last year. Social media footage showed Coogee’s beachfront packed with people in Santa hats and festive clothing, stretching across much of the shoreline.

NSW Police confirmed that by 7pm there had been no incidents of note at Coogee, with no arrests or major problems reported.

The calm at Bronte followed a warning issued by Mayor Nemesh a week earlier, asking people not to repeat last year’s informal Christmas Day party. The mayor pointed to increased safety risks linked to the redevelopment of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, which has left around half of Bronte Park closed to the public.

Council also raised concerns about temporary fencing, reduced open space and narrow movement areas, which could have made crowd management difficult if large numbers had gathered.

Mayor Nemesh said council could not legally stop people from using a public beach, but asked visitors to stay away from Bronte for their own safety. He also referenced broader safety concerns in the area, noting the proximity of Bronte to the site of a recent attack that deeply affected the community.

Council staff, contractors and police were on site at Bronte throughout the day and reported that crowd numbers remained low and manageable. By evening, the park and beach were clean and looking much the same as they do on a typical summer day.

Mayor Nemesh thanked those who respected the request to stay away, saying the cooperation helped prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes seen in 2024.

He said council had run a targeted communications campaign in the lead-up to Christmas to explain why Bronte was not suitable for large gatherings this year. The mayor added that council worked with neighbouring Randwick Council during the day, sharing resources as needed to manage the situation at Coogee.

Published 18-December-2025

Derelict Bronte Home Sells Well Above Reserve at Auction

An old and run-down house on Palmerston Avenue in Bronte has sold for a figure that surprised many in the crowd, selling for $835,000 more than its reserve price at auction last month.

The three-bedroom property at 41 Palmerston Avenue has stood empty for years, missing its front door and showing clear signs of wear. It had not been offered to market before, yet the promise of land close to Bronte Beach brought buyers in strong numbers.

Auction day saw keen interest from builders and small developers who were drawn by the property’s location on a 325-square-metre block of land within a short walk of the beach. The home’s condition clearly did not put bidders off.

Strong Bidding in Bronte

According to the agent, 12 buyers registered for the auction and six of them actively competed, most described as owner-builders or small scale developers.

Bidding began at $2.7 million and rose steadily in increments until reaching $3.6 million. From there the pace slowed as the competition pushed the final figure higher.

The property was sold for $3,835,000, compared with a reserve of $3 million, which had also been the campaign guide.

The winning bidder was described as a father ready to build a new home with his son. Ray White Eastern Beaches selling agent Angus Gorrie said the buyer was “very happy” with the result and looking forward to the project.

Broader Auction Context

The Palmerston Avenue sale came during a busy week on Sydney’s housing market, with many properties taken to auction across the city. Domain reported that out of 965 results collected by evening, the preliminary clearance rate sat at about 62 per cent, with a number of auctions withdrawn and counted as unsold.

While Bronte homes in prime condition already attract strong interest, this result highlights the ongoing appetite for land in the eastern suburbs, even where the existing house has seen better days.

For many locals, this sale will underline how tightly held real estate remains here and how quickly land close to Bronte Beach can drive competition and strong prices.

Published 1-December-2025

Tamarama Curve House Returns to Market with $24 Million Price Tag

Photo Credit: Biller Property

Tamarama Curve House, a stunning architectural residence on Mirimar Avenue, has been listed for sale. This marks a significant addition to the prestige property market of Tamarama.

The five-bedroom home has been owned by cookbook author Judy Phillips and her husband Robert since 2018, when they purchased the property for $12.5 million. The couple are now seeking $24 million for the architecturally designed residence, which has been listed through Paul Biller of Biller Property and Alexander Phillips of PPD Real Estate.

Phillips, author of Good Life Great Food, previously hosted cooking classes at the couple’s former Bellevue Hill home, with all proceeds benefiting the Black Dog Institute. The couple sold their long-held Kambala Road property in 2018 for $13.67 million before purchasing the Tamarama residence.

The Mirimar Avenue home was designed through a collaboration between architect Alex Porebski and Alexandra Donohoe Church from Decus Interiors. Its previous owner was Chris Champion, who worked with Goldman Sachs.

Phillips said the decision to purchase the home was immediate. She described the property as simply beautiful and praised both the house itself and the lifestyle the location provides.

The residence occupies a northeast corner position designed to maximise natural light and ocean views along the popular coastal walk connecting Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach.

The four-storey home features distinctive curved glass walls that create connection with outdoor spaces. The property includes formal and informal living areas, with multiple terraces suitable for entertaining throughout the year.

Interior finishes emphasise natural and sustainable materials, with custom joinery by DSK and lighting fixtures from Christopher Boots and Flos. The kitchen features New York marble splashbacks, integrated appliances including a PITT gas cooktop, two Miele ovens, a Liebherr fridge and a Bosch dishwasher, along with a walk-in pantry.

The main accommodation level houses three bedrooms, including a primary bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite featuring a Victoria + Albert stone bath. This level also includes a family room opening onto a Travertine-tiled barbecue terrace.

Two additional bedrooms and a bathroom are located on the entry level, whilst the lower street level contains a temperature-controlled wine cellar, sauna and gym with powder room, alongside a double lock-up garage.

Outdoor amenities include a freshwater mosaic-tiled pool and spa, heated outdoor shower and landscaping by Will Dangar and Ben Eder. Side access provides direct routes to Tamarama and Bronte beaches, as well as the broader coastal walk network.

According to Biller, properties of this standard in such a sought-after beachside location are rarely available on the market.

Published 30-September-2025

$24 Million Bronte Surf Club Redevelopment Begins

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

A $24 million redevelopment of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club has begun, with demolition of the existing clubhouse to make way for a modern new facility.

Background of Bronte Surf Club

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1903, is regarded by many historians as one of the country’s earliest surf lifesaving organisations. Its current headquarters was built in 1974 after the previous clubhouse was destroyed by fire, believed to have started from an electrical fault. After five decades of service, the existing building is now set to be replaced.

Redevelopment Plans and Features

Work officially commenced on August 2025 with a sod turning ceremony. Demolition of the existing clubhouse will occur over the coming months. The redevelopment will deliver a state-of-the-art facility including enhanced lifesaving operations, a rooftop garden with public parkland, inclusive community spaces, and upgraded amenities for professional lifeguards and maintenance teams.

The project also covers wider site improvements such as a new promenade, seawall, footpaths and a turning circle roadway. Temporary facilities have already been set up for lifeguards, park staff, and contractors while construction continues.

Project Cost and Timeline

The redevelopment carries a total cost of $24 million. Construction is expected to finish by April 2027. Funding comes from Bronte Surf Life Saving Club’s resources, with additional contributions from state and federal grants and support from Waverley Council.

Bronte redevelopment — *Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil*

Community Significance

With over 2000 members, including more than 850 nippers and 150 cadets, the club remains a central part of Bronte’s community life. Membership includes a strong female representation at 44 per cent, continuing a tradition of inclusivity in surf lifesaving.

Bronte Surf Club has also long held cultural importance, once frequented by sporting figures, artists, and well-known residents. Despite its growth, the primary role of the organisation remains the same: to keep swimmers and surfers safe at Bronte Beach.

What Happens Next

Demolition works will take place through the remainder of 2025, followed by construction of the new building. The project is scheduled to conclude in April 2027, ushering in a new era for Bronte’s surf lifesaving and community facilities.

Published 29-Aug-2025