A Social & Heritage Place Strategy

Some communities are special not because they are one type, but because they bring together many. The three suburbs of Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay and Rushcutters Bay are an integrated eclectic blended neighbourhood 200 years in the making. It is a diverse yet inclusive community – a melting pot of cultures, professions and lifestyles… wealthy and working-class, queer and straight, migrants, bohemians, intellectuals, activists, artists, entertainers, backpackers and tourists—so many of them singles and renters living in small apartments – and all creating a rich and dynamic social fabric.

This urban mosaic is underpinned by the predominantly 20th century architectural apartment building profile, but with significant markers of its 19th century history as one of the first suburbs of Sydney. The proportions of building typology are unique in Australia as are the demographics of the residents. As different eras interposed different architecture styles, each wave of residents stayed on to build this bastion of diversity, which is a hallmark of the area today. This tiny precinct is a national treasure that is more than just a wonderful place to live for the residents but should be celebrated and promoted as a heritage destination for Sydneysiders and tourists to visit.

This social and heritage place strategy articulates our approach to celebrating the extraordinary diversity and demographics of both the historical and contemporary communities contained within the boundary of these three suburbs. The current amenity of the neighbourhood is reinforced by the extraordinary 20th century apartment building profile, which is unique in Sydney and deserves much greater recognition and protection.