39 Arcadia Street, Coogee: Plans to restore historic Ballamac House Sydney by developer Central Element approved

A century old historic former mansion on the Coogee headlands is set to be restored as luxury apartments, after the council gave the plans the green light. See the plans.

Restoration of the historic Ballamac House in Coogee has been approved. The project will be undertaken by developer Central Element. Picture: supplied.

The restoration of a historic 1860s residence at Coogee’s north headland has been given the green light by the local council.

Historic Ballamac House, which has previously been a private residence, hotel and infirmary – as well as home to prominent Australians and visiting British royalty – will be converted into premium apartments.

Randwick Council has approved development plans first lodged in 2022 that will see the grand residence on 1500 sqm transformed into eight three-bedroom apartments spread out over four storeys, with uninterrupted views of Wedding Cake Island.

Sydney architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) has extensive history working with heritage projects, including The Minerva theatre in Potts Point, and has been brought on to ensure the heritage Victorian house is reinstated to its original grandeur as it is converted into two residences.

Restoration of Ballamac House in Coogee, by developer Central Elements, has been approved. Picture: Supplied.

A two-level penthouse will have north facing panoramic views spanning past Gordons Bay and Wylie‘s Baths, along with a wraparound entertaining terrace, internal lift, butler’s pantry, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing ensuring the views are enjoyed from all the living areas.

The heritage assessment submitted by TZG notes several former owners, including the residence’s first owner, Charles Moore – who purchased the land in 1856 – had noteworthy historical significance.

Sir Charles Moore, the mansion’s former owner and one-time Mayor of Sydney. Sydney park, Moore Park was named in his honour. Picture: supplied.

Mr Moore served as a Randwick councillor and was elected Mayor of Sydney in 1863.

Other owners include Lord Mayor of Sydney and owner of the publication Smiths’ Weekly Sir James Joynton Smith, and well-known medical practitioner Reginal Stuart Jones, who was a flamboyant figure in Sydney’s underworld from the 1930s.

Historic picture of Coogee Beach in the 1890s, with the mansion seen in the distance. Picture: Randwick Council.

Ballamac House as Baden Baden hotel circa 1897. Picture: Randwick Council.

Location of the property at the Coogee headland. Picture: Randwick Council.

The report states the existing building did not reach the threshold for a heritage listing as a series of major additions and alterations had resulted in the loss of its original facades, and the loss of the original setting with the subdivision of the lot.

Managing director of Central Element, Nathan Chivas, said it was crucial the developer honoured the legacy of the grand estate.

The conservation of the original house will retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wraparound veranda.

“The conservation of the original house will see us retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wraparound veranda, as an ode to the luxury of estate living,” he said.

Mr Chivas said the development would enhance the character of the Coogee headland.

“Ballamac House is a hallmark project for CE and will make a lasting impact on the celebrated beach lifestyle in one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses.”

Construction is expected to commence in late 2023.