Coogee: Ballamac House could see new ‘luxury’ apartments

A historic seaside site in Coogee could get a whopping $10 million makeover with eight “luxury” residences proposed for a heritage-listed site.

A $10 million block of eight “luxury” seaside residences could be on the cards for Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Property developer Central Element has lodged plans to revamp the site of historic Ballamac House, located at 39 Arcadia St Coogee.

The plans would see eight new three-bedroom apartments, with the rooftop and penthouse ones split over two levels, each complete with a plunge pool.

Two of the residences would sit within a renovated build of Ballamac House, a historic Victorian mansion built in 1860 which dominated Coogee’s north headland until it was strata-titled and divided into five apartments in the late 1970s.

The other six apartments would be placed in a new apartment building built east of the house, standing 12m tall. All waterfront apartments would have clear views out to Wedding Cake Island.

A $10m development is proposed for 39 Arcadia St, Coogee

Central Element managing director Nathan Chivas said his vision fuses “old and new” to bring the Ballamac House estate into a new era of modern luxury.

“Ballamac House is a hallmark project for Central Element and set to make a lasting impact on the celebrated beach lifestyle of one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses,” he said.

Ballamac House would be transformed under the new proposal

“The legacy and famous history of the building will be preserved as we transform the former residence and add further luxury living spaces that will deliver an elevated lifestyle dimension to the landmark site.”

Mr Chivas said he would ensure the external and internal walls of the original house were retained, along with the original fireplaces, mantelpieces and decorative ceilings.

He said the two “luxury residences” would also see the wraparound veranda rebuilt, with the original rectangular cast iron columns, as well as a plunge pool.

If approved, the project would be due for completion in 2024.

A new 12m apartment block would be built to the east of Ballamac House

The rich history of Ballamac House has included a family estate, several hotels and apartment living.

The heritage-listed site was built and first owned by former Randwick mayor Charles Moore in 1860, according to The Australian Dictionary of Biography.

Some 20 years later it became a quaint waterfront hotel called the Baden Baden, lived in and painted by artist Louis Franks.

In 1978, it was turned into a strata title and subdivided block with an entrance at 39 Arcadia Street and a 12-storey unit block built on 23 Baden Street, now named Faimer Gardens.

The Coogee Precinct community group has been contacted for comment.