Boronia House Mosman: Plans lodged for new cosmetic clinic at former wedding, high tea venue

New plans have shed light on the future of a historic former wedding venue after a ‘cosmetic doctor to the stars’ took over the long-term lease of the building.

Dr Joseph Hkeik’s All Saint Clinic has taken over the lease of the historic venue.

A long-running former Mosman wedding venue is one step closer to being turned into a ‘specialist cosmetic beauty centre’ after sparking community debate about whether the site should remain a hospitality hub.

New plans have shed light on the future of the historic Boronia House building on Military Rd after private cosmetic provider All Saint Clinic took over a long-term lease of the state heritage-listed building.

The future of the site was subject to a long-running search for a new leaseholder after former tenant Mosman Catering pulled out of its long term lease in 2021.

The search took a surprise when building owner Mosman Council refused an offer by local pub Hotel Mosman – located next door to Boronia House – to take on the lease as part of a proposed that would have seen the building continue as a hospitality venue.

At a council meeting last year, a majority of councillors instead supported granting a 10-year lease to well known Sydney cosmetic company All Saint Clinic.

The clinic, which also has outlets in Double Bay and North Parramatta, was founded by Joseph Hkeik – known as a “cometic doctor to the stars” whose past clients have included Elle Macpherson, Sir Cliff Richard and Rita Ora.

A concept photo of new signage planned for Boronia House.

Development plans lodged with Mosman Council have revealed the site will be used for a range of procedures such as laser skin treatments, body treatments, injectable procedures, facials and peels, and skin rejuvenation.

“To ensure clients are ‘pampered’, a private cafe and bar is provided opposite the reception desk,” the development plans to Mosman Council added.

Development works for the new use will include a major $1.3 million refit of the historic site including removing a commercial kitchen, carpets and outdoor seating.

Boronia House has stood vacant for the last three years after former tenant Mosman Catering pulled out of its long term lease with Mosman Council in 2021.

The plans show the clinic will operate from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, staffed by doctors, administration staff and nurses.

Mr Hkeik, in a statement, said All Saint Clinic would have “deep respect for heritage” of the building and the company was “very excited about reinvigorating Boronia House as a health and wellbeing landmark”.

The finalisation of the lease comes after dozens of residents called on the council for the site to remain a hospitality venue.

The state heritage-listed Boronia House venue dates back more than 135 years and once operated as a library, before it was repurposed into a restaurant and reception centre in 1985.

Hotel Mosman’s offer to the council included hosting gatherings, serving coffee and teas, lunch and dinners and accommodating charity events such as Probus and Lions.

The hotel’s long-term owner Brendon Barry described the council’s lease decision as a lost chance for the venue to be revived as a social gathering space.

While the proposal for outdoor dining at Boronia House had supporters, it was also subject to opposition including neighbouring residents who raised concerns over noise.

A photo inside Boronia House.

There were also concerns a hospitality venue at the site could exacerbate “years of problems suffered by residents” in the area including alleged “anti-social behaviour, drunks, fights, underage drinking and N20 inhalation”.

Plans by All Saint Clinic show a small retail area is also proposed on the development “to allow clients to purchase goods such as soaps, moisturisers and cleansers.”

The company’s plans stated the clinic will be a “:multipurpose community health and wellbeing space for wellness-related events”.

The state heritage-listed Boronia House venue dates back more than 135 years and once operated as a library, before it was repurposed into a restaurant and reception centre in 1985.