Tight deadline to finish Barangaroo unit refit before Packer’s visit

Pity the builders currently working at a frenetic pace around the clock to complete renovations at James Packer’s uninhabited One Barangaroo apartment ahead of the billionaire’s arrival in town in three weeks.

Pity the builders currently working at a frenetic pace around the clock to complete renovations at James Packer’s uninhabited One Barangaroo apartment ahead of the billionaire’s arrival in town in three weeks.

Almost 12 months after renovations began on the lofty two-storey apartment — a consolidation of two apartments located on levels 48 and 49 of the 75-floor skyscraper — every car spot in Packer’s large six-car parking bay is occupied with a workman’s car while other work vehicles park nearby as builders pick up the pace to meet the magnate’s deadline and his exacting standards.

It seems all has not gone precisely to plan with the high-end redesign of the apartment Packer bought in 2021 for $72 million, back when his Crown Casino dream still had breath in it.

At the time the businessman foresaw the luxury apartment would become a base for himself, his ex-wife Erica and their three children during their infrequent visits home.

These days they live in a series of mansions and compounds in the US although family matriarch Ros and extended family remain in Sydney and in regional NSW.

Inside one of Crown Baranagaroo’s top-tier apartments, with sweeping views of Sydney and its harbour.

Having handed the renovation project to Erica, the one-time model and devoted mother set about transforming the bright and open apartment with views to Sydney’s north, east and west — some via double-height glass walls — into a family home that is, by some measure at least, “cosy”.

Gone is the mixed palette of blackened stainless steel, Greek marble, bronze glass and bleached birch. Virtually every surface in the space — including the floors — has been resurfaced.

Barangaroo and Crown Tower.

Interior designer Blainey North is no longer working on Packer’s apartment

The Packer retreat is now an all-white modernist pad. Gone too is the original interior designer employed to bring Erica’s vision to life.

According to reports, a NY designer was originally attached to the project.

Then local Sydney designer Blainey North - who previously worked on a restaurant at Packer’s Crown Melbourne - was consulted.

North designed Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Lavender Bay penthouse, John and Marly Boyd’s three-storey CBD ANZ tower penthouse and a mirrored boudoir for Shane Warne.

James Packer (centre) in social media post from his sometime business partner Brett Ratner of Ratpac. Also pictured (from left) are Argentinian film producer Fernando Sulichin, director Oliver Stone, director Spike Lee and Ratner.

Sources on Saturday said North was no longer working on Packer’s apartment.

Erica and her friend, Los Angeles designer Nathan Turner, took over the project some six months ago.

Supply chain delays impacting the construction industry at large put the brakes on the luxury fit-out necessitating the late flurry of activity.

The apartment will be largely complete when the Packers arrive this month however a few enhancements won’t be possible until after they leave the country.

Two of the more onerous tasks facing builders included installing a lift between two previously separate luxury apartments and moving a kitchen — a job that required difficult subfloor plumbing.

A large entry vestibule has been turned into a gym.

Interior designer Blainey North. Picture: Justin Lloyd

In its original configuration the space featured a curved staircase overlooking an open-plan living area and bar room, formal and informal lounge rooms, formal and informal dining rooms, a TV room with views to the west, a home cinema, spa and gym, self-contained staff apartment, plus numerous bedrooms with ensuites. The budget has stretched into the millions.

Those who have worked for Packer previously know well the force of his fury when he is displeased and he is said to be less than pleased work that should have finished months ago continues.

Last month he told The Australian: “The apartment is going to be ready”.

Associates didn’t miss the thinly veiled demand in the statement.

Sources for Packer have previously said he plans to show his children Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle his old stomping ground during his first trip home in three years.

A dip in the sea at Bondi Beach is top of his to-do list during his 10-day stay.

Last year he committed himself to a strict health and fitness regime in the hope he would be fit enough to keep up with his young children during his visit.

Prior to February 17, Packer hadn’t been sighted in public for months.

On that date however his friend and former business partner Brett Ratner posted a shot of a grinning Packer to social media.

The image shows Packer seated snugly on a couch with Argentinian film producer Fernando Sulichin, acclaimed director Oliver Stone, Ratner and US director Spike Lee — associations that suggest the one-time film producer’s fascination with the film industry continues.