Atlassian, Mike Cannon-Brookes: Plans for Woollahra German consulate
He has already broken the suburb record after spending $18m on Woollahra’s old German consulate. Now Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes is spending millions more on what is a very personal redevelopment project.
Wentworth Courier
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He’s already broken Woollahra’s sales record after spending a casual $18 million on the property.
Now billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes plans to spend another $5 million in renovations according to planning documents.
The CEO of tech giant Atlassian, who is estimated to be worth about $9.6 billion, bought the old German consulate on Trelawney St in April.
Development application documents before Woollahra Council reveal his intention is to use the elegant two storey Victorian era building as an office space which is rumoured to be destined as the headquarters for his wife Annie’s fashion label.
Built circa 1890, the building itself is not heritage listed but it is considered a “contributory item” to the Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area.
The TZG Architects designed proposal aims to restore the grand building to its former glory after the original design was compromised by “intrusive” alterations from the 1950s onwards.
“The design will reinstate the original characteristics of the building by restoring and reconstructing the damaged or missing elements that characterise the building’s integrity,” reads the heritage impact statement by Curio Projects.
The plans include the demolition of the garage, airconditioning system and porte cochere (covered driveway), the installation of 88 solar panels which will raise the roof by 75cm and significant internal modifications.
The existing terracotta roof tiles will be returned to the original slate variety and the front elevation will be restored in “compliance and acknowledgment of the contributory status of the property within the Woollahra Heritage Conservation Area”.
The DA documents prepared by Aver state the renovations would fall “largely within the existing building plane” with the notable exception of the solar panels which they say will not be visible from the road.
It’s not the only proposed development on the street with next door neighbour Fraser Hopkins, the pasta giant Latina Fresh co-founder, also hoping to get the green light for significant works to his home.
For the past two years the Cannon-Brookes’ and their four children have called the $100 million Point Piper mansion Fairwater, Australia‘s most expensive house, home after moving from Centennial Park.