Andrew Bogut $5m Beach Rd mansion plans upsets Beaumaris conservationists
Basketball superstar Andrew Bogut has flippantly played down concerns over his proposed triple-storey Beaumaris mansion, saying the home — which will include a half-sized basketball court and wine cellar — will be a “refuge for cats and birds”.
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Bayside conservationists are crying foul over a plan by Aussie hoops legend Andrew Bogut to replace a celebrated Beaumaris garden with a three-level mansion.
The luxurious four-bedroom development — which has an estimated cost of almost $5 million — would include a swimming pool, half-sized basketball court, gym, sauna, massage room, roof terrace and a basement with a home cinema, cellar and car stacker to accommodate 16 vehicles.
Plans submitted to Bayside Council by Urbis also reveal a summer house with a games room, dining and living area.
“The proposal seeks to deliver a high-quality dwelling that will provide our client with significant levels of privacy and amenity,” the application states.
The development is spread across 2 Point Ave and 401 Beach Rd — both owned by Bogut.
The Beaumaris Conservation Society said his plan for the Point Ave property involved ripping out dozens of mature canopy trees and other native vegetation.
Member Caroline Lawton said precious habitat would be wiped out and important trees would be jeopardised.
“The arborist’s report states that a number of highly significant trees will be retained and lists steps that should be taken to ensure their survival,” she said.
“But the reality is that a development with a large underground element has a big impact on canopy trees.
“I would say the chances of all of those trees surviving would be slim.”
Ms Lawton said the “visual bulk” of the mansion and the height of its fence was inappropriate for the area.
“It doesn’t sit comfortably within its environment,” she said.
“The natural feel of the area, the bird life, the wildlife, the loss of vegetation, the unmade roads and the feel of this very special part of Point Ave Beaumaris will be lost forever.”
When contacted by the Herald Sun on Monday night, Bogut jokingly played down the concerns.
“I am building a refuge for cats and birds to live in,” he said.
“They will enjoy the view.”
Bogut, who runs a basketball academy in Carrum Downs, was playing with the Sydney Kings but left the club mid-year and has yet to decide his future.
The Point Ave property was bought by Bogut in 2017 after the death of owner Joan McCrae, who bought the land with husband Colin in 1945 before building there four years later.
Mrs McCrae also created a coastal garden that featured in the Bayside Garden Trail.
“It was a beautiful spot, full of tea trees and banksias and butterflies,” Ms Lawton said.
Mr McCrae was the second president of the Beaumaris Conservation Society.
A Bayside Council spokeswoman said the full proposal for the development could be inspected on the council website.
It was too early to say when the application would be considered by the council, she said.
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