Double Bay delight as Fortis gets green light

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Fortis has received approval to build an AUD 80 million, six-level luxury apartment complex with eight units at 55 William Street in Double Bay, featuring private outdoor spaces and harbour views. This development, part of Fortis’s broader expansion in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, addresses strong local demand for upscale residences and is expected to be completed by 2028.

A luxury residential development in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Double Bay has received approval, paving the way for a new six-level apartment building at 55 William Street. The project, led by developer Fortis with backing from Pallas Group, is valued at approximately AUD 80 million and will feature eight high-end apartments consisting of two- and three-bedroom layouts.

The planned residences will offer various configurations, including garden-level apartments, full-floor units, sub-penthouses, and penthouses. Each apartment is designed with private outdoor spaces, secure basement parking, and north-facing views over Sydney Harbour. Fortis general manager Ed Eve highlighted the continued strong demand from owner-occupiers and downsizers aiming to remain in established, lifestyle-rich neighborhoods such as Double Bay. He noted the suburb’s appeal is driven by its harbour location, high-quality amenities, and limited availability of new housing stock.

The approval follows a revision to the development scheme, which increased the number of apartments from a previously approved two townhouses to eight apartment units. This change aligns with the NSW Low and Mid-Rise (LMR) Housing Policy. Renowned local design firm MHNDU is responsible for the architectural design, while Wyer & Co is handling landscape architecture, and interiors are by 1508 London. The site is within walking distance of Double Bay Village, waterfront recreational spaces, and the ferry wharf.

This project marks Fortis’s third approval for developments in Sydney’s eastern suburbs within two months, signaling ongoing momentum in one of Australia’s most competitive residential markets. Sales for the Double Bay development are slated to launch in September, with construction already underway and completion expected by 2028.

In nearby Rose Bay, Fortis also recently secured approval for a separate luxury apartment project under the NSW LMR reforms. The Rose Bay development, named Verano, will comprise 21 apartments spanning two, three, and four-bedroom options, priced from AUD 4.4 million. The building will feature private balconies, terrace gardens, and communal amenities including alfresco dining and a bocce court. Forty basement parking spaces will be provided. Like the Double Bay site, Rose Bay’s MHNDU is the architect, with interiors by Alexander & Co and landscaping by Wyer & Co.

Located on a substantial amalgamated site close to Rose Bay Village, harbourfront parks, and the ferry wharf, Verano is designed to maximize natural light and harbour views. Fortis has a long-standing presence in Rose Bay, having developed projects there for nearly a decade. Completion for the Rose Bay development is also targeted for mid-2028.

Together, these projects reflect Fortis’s ongoing investment in premium residential offerings within Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs, responding to demand for high-quality housing options in well-established communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.