Central Element green lit for Coogee's Ballamac House apartment redevelopment

Sydney property developer Central Element has secured development approval for the restoration of Coogee's historic 1860’s landmark, Ballamac House.

Ballamac House, at 39 Arcadia Street, will be redeveloped into eight luxury apartments designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG), a long-standing partner of Central Element and expert in heritage projects. They've previously collaborated with Central Element on 25Hours Paddington and The Minerva Potts Point.

Nathan Chivas, Managing Director of Central Element, said Ballamac House has been a permanent fixture on Coogee’s north headland for over a century, so it was crucial to honour its great legacy and restore the property.

"We are thrilled to partner with TZG Architects and Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture to bring the 1860s icon back to its original excellence," Chivas said.

"The conservation of the original house will see us retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wrap around verandah, as an ode the luxury of estate living."

Established by Charles Moore in 1860, the estate has lived many lives; as a private residence, hotel and infirmary. It has also been home to many prominent Australian figures and seen the likes of British Royalty roam its halls over the years.

Central Element’s vision of fusing old and new will bring the Ballamac House estate into a new era of luxury as it is transformed into eight oceanfront residences across two buildings.

The heritage Victorian house will undergo a restoration to reinstate it to its original grandeur. That will home two of the eight apartments, while the further six will sit in a new building to the east which will have ocean views.

The development occupies close to 1,500 sqm, with its eight residences spread out over four-stories that stand at almost 15 metres tall.

Read more: Central Element to redevelop Coogee's 1860’s Ballamac House into luxury apartments

All residences feature three-bedrooms, with the rooftop and penthouse apartments boasting two expansive levels of living. Each residence will enjoy the oceanfront location on Coogee’s northern headland, with uninterrupted views out to Wedding Cake Island.

The penthouse will feature extravagant interiors, configured to maximise its north facing aspect with panoramic views spanning past Gordons Bay to Wylie's Baths. All three bedrooms feature ensuites, with the master occupying the whole top level, with a study and flexible use second living room that can be shut off.

It will seamlessly open up to the wrap around entertaining terrace boasting the best view in the building. The 231 sqm residence will also feature its own internal lift, a second entertaining terrace on the first level, butler’s pantry, powder room and expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing ensuring the views are enjoyed from all the living areas.  

Along with the conservation and restoration of the historic elements of Ballamac House, the property will receive an extensive landscaping makeover by award-winning Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture.

The landscaping vision is in response to the views and the heritage house, with all original sandstone utilised throughout the build so as to retain the buildings character, and only local native species selected where possible.

Future residents will also benefit from a communal outdoor area, complete with lush green gardens and a magnesium pool. 

Construction on Ballamac House is expected to commence towards the end of 2023.