Ballamac House Archives

Coogee’s Ballamac House Reaches Major Construction Milestone

Central Element has topped out construction at Ballamac House in Coogee, marking a key milestone in the $130-million heritage redevelopment project.

A Historic Site Reimagined

Ballamac House, located at 39 Arcadia Street was originally constructed in 1860 and had been privately held for decades. Historically serving as a hotel, boarding house, and later a private hospital, the Victorian mansion underwent several alterations over the years. In 2022, Central Element acquired the heritage-listed site with plans to convert it into a luxury residential development.

The project was approved through the Land and Environment Court in late 2023 after addressing concerns regarding the site’s heritage significance and visual impact.

Development Details: Blending Heritage and Modern Living

The Ballamac House redevelopment comprises eight three-bedroom homes. Two residences are situated within the restored original structure, while six additional residences are provided through a newly constructed four-storey building positioned discreetly behind the heritage home.

Internal areas for the residences range from 165 square metres to 241 square metres. Each apartment is designed with coastal views, including vistas to Wedding Cake Island. The two buildings are linked via a shared basement and landscaped common areas, though they retain distinct entries and architectural identities.

The interiors were curated by Mim Design, with landscaping by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture. Car parking includes 12 resident spaces, two visitor spaces, two motorcycle spaces, and five bicycle racks.

Central Element development — *Photo Credit: Central Element*

A communal outdoor entertainment area, plunge pool, and gardens are part of the shared facilities for residents.

Construction Progress and Features

Central Element’s in-house construction arm, CE Build, led by head of construction Hayden Callaghan, is delivering the project. Structural works were completed within six months of commencing, with fitout works now underway. Completion of Ballamac House is expected by December 2025.

The project set a suburb record when the 241-square-metre penthouse sold off-the-plan for $20 million in April 2024.

Future Outlook

Ballamac House is the first of three premium residential projects Central Element plans to deliver in Sydney’s east, alongside upcoming developments at Sandridge Street and Lamrock Avenue. It is also among five completions the developer targets for 2025 across Sydney, including sites in Paddington, Neutral Bay, Drummoyne, and Chatswood.

Central Element continues to progress additional projects at Bondi Beach and Greenwich.

Published 27-Apr-2025

$20 Million Coogee Penthouse Sale in Ballamac Development Shatters Suburb Records

Coogee has witnessed a new real estate record with a local buyer purchasing an off-the-plan penthouse in the prestigious Ballamac development for $20 million.

With this sale, the buyer, a resident of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, has secured a luxurious residence and cemented Coogee’s reputation as a prime destination for ultra-luxury living.

The acquisition has set a new precedent in Coogee’s property market, surpassing the previous record of $13.1 million set in 2022. The penthouse, boasting three bedrooms and spanning 241 square meters internally, is part of Central Element’s ambitious project to transform the historic Ballamac House into a modern masterpiece.

Unrivalled Luxury and Views

Situated on Coogee’s north headland, the Ballamac development promises unparalleled views of Wedding Cake Island and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. The buyer, drawn to the site’s rich history and panoramic vistas, plans to make this penthouse their primary residence, further underlining the allure of Coogee’s elevated lifestyle.

Central Element’s head of sales, Cameron Porter, has noted a significant shift in the preferences of ultra-luxury buyers, with many opting for Coogee over traditional hotspots like Bondi and Bronte. This trend reflects the growing appeal of Coogee’s blend of coastal charm, historical significance, and modern amenities, making it a magnet for discerning homeowners seeking the epitome of luxury living.

Renovation and Transformation

Originally established in 1860, Ballamac House boasts a storied past, having served as a private residence, hotel, and infirmary over the years.

Central Element’s meticulous Ballamac development aims to restore the property to its former glory while infusing it with contemporary design elements. The result will be a harmonious blend of heritage charm and modern sophistication, offering residents an unparalleled living experience.

With the penthouse sale setting a new benchmark, anticipation is mounting for the official launch of Ballamac House later this year.

Published 2-May-2024

Iconic Ballamac House in Coogee Set for Transformation into Luxury Apartments

Sydney-based property developer Central Element has been granted development approval to restore and redevelop the historic Ballamac House in Coogee into a collection of eight luxury apartments.

The landmark property, nestled in the north headland, has long been considered as one of the area’s most esteemed addresses. The redevelopment project aims to fuse historical elegance with contemporary luxury, marking a new era for the 1860s icon.

Ballamac House, located at 39 Arcadia Street, has stood as a premier example of Coogee’s rich heritage for over a century. Previously converted into a strata title in the 1970s, the building’s storied history includes stints as a private residence, hotel, and infirmary, with various Australian luminaries. Even British royalty have graced its halls.

The project under DA/388/2022 encompasses the conservation of external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings. A wrap-around verandah will be meticulously reconstructed, paying homage to the luxury of estate living from a bygone era.

The restoration will include the conversion of the heritage Victorian house into two of the eight oceanfront residences, with the additional six apartments housed in a new building to the east, affording stunning ocean views. Spanning nearly 1,500 square metres and rising to almost 15 metres in height across four stories, the development’s architectural grandeur is set to match its historical significance.

Ballamac House in Coogee — Photo Credit: DA/388/2022

Each of the eight residences, boasting three bedrooms, will command captivating ocean views from Coogee’s northern headland. The rooftop and penthouse apartments, spanning two levels, will offer an exceptional vantage point, with the penthouse featuring lavish interiors and panoramic vistas that stretch from Gordons Bay to Wylie’s Baths.

The penthouse’s luxurious design includes multiple ensuites, a study, a flexible-use second living room, and an expansive wrap-around terrace for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Central Element’s Managing Director, Nathan Chivas, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with renowned architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG), responsible for designing the eight luxury apartments. TZG, a seasoned collaborator with Central Element on heritage projects, will ensure the restoration retains the property’s original charm.

“We are thrilled to partner with TZG Architects and Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture to bring the 1860s icon back to its original excellence,” Mr Chivas affirmed, highlighting the dedication to preserving Ballamac House’s legacy.

Award-winning Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture will craft the property’s exterior spaces, adhering to the site’s historical context and panoramic views. The landscaping will incorporate original sandstone elements alongside native species, enhancing the property’s character while creating a tranquil communal outdoor area with gardens and a magnesium pool for future residents to enjoy.

With construction anticipated to commence in late 2023, the redevelopment of Ballamac House is poised to redefine luxury living in Coogee, blending heritage charm with modern elegance to create a distinctive oceanfront residential offering.

Randwick Local Planning Panel approved DA/388/2022 in July 2023 and has been referred to the Heritage Planner.

Published 31-Aug-2023

Community Group Opposes Development Plans For Ballamac House Site in Coogee

Ballamac House, one of the first houses ever built in Coogee, has been the subject of much controversy after a developer lodged plans to build a luxury residential development on the site.

Read: Plans to Convert Iconic Ballamac House Into Luxury Residences Lodged

Community organisation Randwick Heritage Action Group is worried about “loss of heritage” once the $10 million development gets the green light.

Located at 39 Arcadia Street, Coogee, Ballamac House will serve as the focal point of the proposed development.

Artist’s impression of proposed development (Photo credit: Central Element)

Developer Central Element plans to revive the building to its original glory and keep its original features, such as the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantle pieces, and decorative ceilings. However, the wraparound verandahs will be reconstructed to allow for indoor and outdoor living.

They also sought the removal of the later additions and construction of two-storey additions to the north and a separate new four-storey apartment building.

Aerial photo of site (Photo credit: planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au)

The group worries that the later additions will be destroyed and the house’s heritage will be diminished, because of the proposed driveway to a basement car park.

The later additions, as stated in the Statement of Heritage Impact report, were part of the 1904-1911 renovations done by millionaire and entrepreneur Sir James Joynton Smith, one of the notable personalities who previously owned the property.

“The proposed alterations and additions to Ballamac generally comply with the heritage controls outlined in Randwick LEP 2012 and Randwick DCP 2013. The proposal aims to have minimal impact on the significance of the heritage listed Victorian villa or identified Heritage Items in the immediate vicinity of the site,” the report reads.

Aside from protecting Ballamac House, the group also voiced other concerns such as losing views of the house from Dunningham Reserve because of the four-storey building and the removal of up to 15 trees.

About Ballamac House

Established in1860, Ballamac House is a Victorian mansion built for Sir Charles Moore, who became the mayor of Randwick and Sydney.

When Moore resigned from the Sydney City Council and left for Europe in 1869, he offered Ballamac for lease as a family residence for two to three years.

Sir Charles Moore (Photo credit: planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au)

It was later converted into a hotel, the Baden Baden Hotel, and was also referred to as a boarding house.

When Sir Joynton Smith bought the property in 1912, he renamed it ‘Hastings House.’ He lived there until he passed away at 89 years old in 1943.

Read: Coogee Bay Hotel Redevelopment Heads to Court; Developers Asked to Submit Another Amended Plan

A major sale of attached land to the South and West of the building took place in the late ‘70s. The property was strata-titled and divided into five apartments.

Luxury Residential Development Proposed at Site of Heritage-Listed Ballamac House In Coogee

Photo Credit: Central Element / Facebook

Did you know that a luxury residential development has been proposed for the site of the historic Ballamac House on Arcadia Street in Coogee?

Central Element has submitted a proposal to convert the heritage-listed Victorian mansion at 39 Arcadia Street. The proposed redevelopment will comprise eight residences with each residence containing three bedrooms. The Ballamac House will be restored and will contain two of the proposed eight residences.

As part of the proposal, Ballamac’s original wraparound verandahs will be reconstructed whilst the original elements including the external and internal walls, the original fireplaces, mantle pieces and decorative ceilings will be retained.

Ballamac House redevelopment — Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au

The other six apartments will be provided via a new four-storey apartment building on the east side of the existing house. All the luxurious waterfront apartments will provide views out to Wedding Cake Island. There will be a communal outdoor entertainment space, plunge pool and garden.

Car parking will be provided with 12 resident spaces, two visitor spaces and two motorcycle spaces along with five bicycle parking racks.

“Ballamac House is a hallmark project for Central Element and set to make a lasting impact on the celebrated beach lifestyle of one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses,” Central Element said.

Constructed in 1860, Ballamac House used to operate as a hotel and boarding house. The residence has undergone numerous alterations and additions.

View of the site from Dunningham Reserve | Photo Credit: Randwick City Council / planning.randwick.nsw.gov.au

“The proposal will open the building to public view allowing the public to appreciate Ballamac House. A sympathetic contemporary addition to the northern side of Ballamac House will orient the house towards the street while retaining the original eastern and southern facades,” the proposal stated.

Central Element expects completion of the project by 2024.