For 81-year-old Patricia Rosenbrock, her Bronte unit isn’t just an address; it’s her “humble castle,” a cherished home of three decades where she plans to spend her remaining days.
But a prominent developer, backed by the NSW government, has cast a long shadow over her peaceful existence, threatening to replace her beloved abode with a towering 120-unit high-rise.
Patricia, however, is digging in her heels, vowing to defend her castle against what she describes as an unwelcome invasion, regardless of the millions being dangled.
The saga began when a developer set its sights on Patricia’s complex, aiming to dramatically expand its plans for nine luxury dwellings into a colossal 120 units.
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What’s particularly galling for Patricia and the local community is the developer’s alleged sidestepping of the local Waverley Council, going directly to the NSW government’s Housing Delivery Authority.
Patricia Rosenbrock has lived in her home for 30 years and plans to spend the rest of her days there, but the NSW government has a different idea. Source: A Current Affair
A developer has offered $54 million for the complex. Source: A Current Affair
However, the grandmother is digging in her heels and won’t budge, regardless of the sale price. Source: A Current Affair
This move saw the project controversially declared a State Significant Development (SSD).
“It’s a humble castle but it’s my castle,” Patricia told A Current Affair.
“I’ve had people knocking on my door (for years), asking if I would sell. I had neighbours … encouraging me to join them to sell. (But) this is my home. This is where I am and this is where I’d like to be when I leave this earth.”
The developer reportedly offered a staggering $54 million for the complex, a sum that would tempt many.
Yet, for Patricia, some things are simply not for sale.
“How would you feel if someone went to your mother and told her she had to leave her home?” she questioned.
The proposed development has ignited a firestorm within the Bronte community.
D’Leanne Lewis, founder of the local action group Bronte Community Association, has been vocal in her condemnation, demanding greater transparency around the project.
“It’s unacceptable, it’s a disgrace,” Lewis stated.
“You’re talking about an approval that is 12-times of what was originally approved.
“Where’s the consultation with council? Where’s the consultation with communities?
“We’re not against what they are trying to do in terms of providing more housing. We’re saying, make it in an appropriate area where there’s existing infrastructure.”
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D’Leanne Lewis, founder of the local action group Bronte Community Association. Source: A Current Affair
A neighbouring property has already sold with a price guide of $45 million.
A concept image of what the site could look like in the future. Source: A Current Affair
A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure confirmed the proposal for 122-128 Hewlett Street, Bronte, has indeed been declared an SSD following a recommendation to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
However, they were quick to clarify: “A declaration as SSD is not an approval. A declaration does not negate any of the requirements of an assessment process and does not guarantee an approval.”
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh echoed community concerns, telling ACA that it was his “firm belief that developments of this scale are better suited to areas like Bondi Junction rather than Bronte.”
Meanwhile, the developer has yet to lodge its formal application for the expanded plans.
A spokesperson for the company maintained they “consult with council to ensure the best possible outcome for the site and the community … we do not pressure owners to sell.”
They also confirmed they have not yet pursued a forced sale.
Under the New South Wales Strata Schemes Development Act 2015, a sale can proceed if 75 per cent of owners in a strata building agree, with the Land and Environment Court becoming involved.
But for Patricia, the numbers are irrelevant.
Her resolve remains unshaken.
“I’m prepared to fight for my home,” she said.
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