Annette Sharp: Swans boss Andrew Pridham’s $8m reno plans for $25m Mosman mansion
Andrew Pridham’s neighbours are up in arms about the Swans chairman’s $8 million plans to revamp the $25 million mansion he bought on Sydney’s leafy north shore two years ago. READ WHY.
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Two years after splashing out $25 million for a Mosman mansion that made him the envy of Sydney’s north shore, Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has riled his well-heeled neighbours with plans to bulldoze existing dwellings and replace them with a new $8 million showpiece.
Among those putting up a fight to preserve their Middle Harbour views is Ros Oatley, daughter of deceased winemaker Bob Oatley who, like Pridham, owns property on two titles in the suburb.
In her objection to Mosman Council, Ms Oatley, whose own Hopetoun Ave holding is worth upwards of $35 million, raised concerns about alleged “noncompliances” with the proposed development, the new building’s bulk, privacy issues and the impact of the build on the foreshore area.
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Another neighbour objected to proposed landscaping on the 2400sqm site — specifically the planting of “34 Syzygium Australe Resilience Lilly Pillys” along the western boundary that might impair water views to Clontarf.
Investment banker Pridham and his wife Carolyn bought the Hopetoun Ave home overlooking Chinamans Beach in 2018 from Chinese businessman and philanthropist Wai Kong Lo after the three-level home, originally built by property developer Bob Rose, wallowed on the market for four years as Lo’s $40 million expectations nosedived.
The original home — soon to be rubble — included six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, four living areas, a billiard room, media room with bar, separate guest quarters, cellar, championship tennis court with club house, and heated swimming pool with spa and steam room.
Pridham has contracted Cadence & Co to design a pavilion home with guest quarters and pool for the site, which also boasts a private boat ramp, boat shed and rare beach access.
The DA, this column understands, has been revised to address neighbours’ concerns while Ms Oatley remains in consultation.
Pridham’s neighbours are also concerned the Swans boss, who is also vice-chairman of Moelis Australia, and his family may not live at the new home. The investment property specialist has previously indicated the Mosman home would be an investment only. He has been open about plans to remain in residence at his primary home at nearby Clifton Gardens.
He also has a waterfront home at Palm Beach.
Pridham, who has been Swans chairman since 2013 — the same year Lance Franklin signed with the club — found himself in the spotlight in 2015 after stepping up to deny rumours plaguing Franklin, who withdrew from the 2015 premiership season citing mental health issues.
“I’ve heard all the rumours and I wouldn’t say we investigate them, but certainly the most substantial and salacious-type rumours – I’m comfortable they’re false,” Pridham said at the time.
BABY NUMBER 11 FOR BOYD
Congratulations are in order for property developer John Boyd and wife Marly, who are expecting their third child.
The baby, due next year, brings to 11 the number of Boyd’s heirs.
The developer and long-time mate of Kerry Packer will be 73 when he or she is born.
The baby joins Patrick and Joseph, aged five and two, Boyd’s youngest children by his second wife — and private decorator — Marly, 33.
The newborn will be a half-sibling to Boyd’s eight adult children by first wife Judy Boyd.
Boyd’s relationship with Marly, 40 years his junior and who he is believed to have met when she was only 19, has intrigued Sydney society for the past decade and given rise to some wonderful tales.
With only one daughter (eighth child Sophie), the short odds are on baby number 11 being a son.
QUIET SECOND EXIT FOR McGRATH CEO
There was no farewell party for McGrath’s CEO Geoff Lucas after he chose to resign from the ailing real estate company last week — for the second time.
Lucas’s recent tenure has been billed by insiders as a success after he presided over a $700,000 net profit in the Y20 financial year (up from a $9.7 million loss for the year prior — also under Lucas) and stood down agent Adrian Bo last December following a sexual harassment scandal that brought new turmoil following claims Bo asked a young male colleague “how many c. ks he had sucked”.
Bo denied the allegation and within weeks was back conducting business coaching at the agency.
Lucas last left McGrath in 2016, after being one of the architects of the company’s failed ASX float in December 2015. McGrath floated on the ASX at $2.10 before crashing within four months to 90c.
McGrath shares were worth 19c when Lucas stepped down, lifting after news of his departure to 24c.