Northwood Cliff Rd mansion’s future revealed as debris sparks complaints from neighbours

There’s a new twist in the case of a fire ravaged Northwood mansion destroyed in an alleged arson attack as neighbours say the state of the “ugly” wreck has become an eyesore. See the photos.

A photo taken from within the site, showing the state of the former mansion.

A fire ravaged Northwood mansion destroyed in an alleged arson attack more than a year ago is set to finally be demolished as the state of the rubble sparks complaints from neighbours who have labelled the site as “ugly”.

Plans have been lodged to Lane Cove Council to demolish what remains of the heritage-listed mansion at 62 Cliff Rd which was reduced to a smouldering wreck in the fire on September 3 last year.

The former seven-bedroom mansion was designed by prominent Australian artist Lloyd Rees and is owned by fund manager and developer Ouyang “Owen” Chen.

The $250,000 demolition plan – lodged by Mr Chen – will involve removing debris and remediating the site of hazardous materials including lead and asbestos that plans show has spread from the house to other parts of the site.

Photos taken from within the burnt-out remains of the mansion show the wreck includes destroyed timber floors, partially and fully collapsed sections of ceilings, fire ravaged walls and crumbling supporting structures.

A photo taken from the site.

The owner of the property Owen Chen, pictured in 2022. Picture: John Grainger

The proposal to demolish the remains of the mansion has been welcomed by neighbours who say the site has become a visual eyesore in the harbourside suburb.

The plans come after police charge two people over their alleged involvement in the fire including property developer Steve Nassif, who remains before the courts and has pleaded not guilty to a charge of destroying property in company.

The demolition plans cost $250,000.

Police also arrested 20-year-old Adams Kipkosgei Brett, who has been charged with destroying property in company and damage property by fire. He has not entered pleas to the charges. Both men are due to reappear in court in October.

It is understood Lane Cove Council has been in discussion with Mr Chen, who bought the house in 2021 for $24.1m, and his representatives about the need to clean up the site and demolish the burnt remains.

Initially, the council had intended to issue an order to demolish the burnt-out remains, however, has instead directed Mr Chen to lodge the development application to demolish the home.

Sudha Ramdev, whose home overlooks the remains of the mansion, said she was happy the site was finally being demolished but had concerns over potential future development plans for the property.

A photo of the site.

A photo of the site, including a burnt-out fireplace.

“We’re happy to have something done because it’s taken a very long time,” she said.

“It’s a very ugly site.

“Our main concern is that if a new development is built we want the same roof level as it was before so it doesn’t block our views.

“If it goes any higher we’ll lose most of our views over the (Lane Cove) River.”

The demolition plans, lodged to the council, states removing the debris from the site would be in the “public interest”.

A photo of the home that once stood on the site. Picture: RealEstate.com.au

A photo showing what remains of the site today.

“The extent of fire damage is such that meaningful reconstruction of the house is not possible,” the plans state.

“The demolition of this (site) is necessary as the current condition of the walls, structure and debris, as a result of the fire, is a safety and environmental issue for the site and surrounding area.”

The proposal comes after Mr Chen was last year granted approval by Lane Cove Council to develop the home at 60 Cliff Rd into a $4.8m home with nine bedrooms.

The now-destroyed home at 62 Cliff Rd was built in 1915 and was one of the oldest properties in Northwood at the time of the fire.

Up to 50 firefighters and 12 trucks responded to the blaze which was extinguished within two hours.