Burnham Beeches redevelopment: $120m upgrade Six Senses resort approved

A luxury hotel and wellness centre has been approved for the historic Burnham Beeches estate in Sherbrooke, formerly owned by celebrity chef Shannon Bennett.

A $120m transformation of Burnham Beeches has been approved.

A luxury hotel, wellness centre and glamping is coming to the historic Burnham Beeches estate, with a landmark $120m redevelopment plan for the site given the tick of approval.

The Trenerry Consortium, which bought the Sherbrooke site from celebrity chef Shannon Bennett last year, has announced it has received the go-ahead for its proposed redevelopment, with wellness and sustainability hospitality operator Six Senses to operate the hotel.

Along with the restoration of the art deco mansion and surrounding garden, the Consortium plans to establish a restaurant, wellness retreat, pool house and guest rooms at the site.

In a statement released on Friday, the Consortium said it had received a Heritage Victoria permit for the entire proposed master plan and the green light for the initial stage component from Yarra Ranges Council.

A further application to be lodged with the council for the remainder of the master plan.

“These permits will enable the development team to undertake crucial conservation works to the existing buildings, alongside commencing construction of new buildings and upgrades to building and site services,” the statement said.

“It will allow urgent repair works to begin on one of Australia’s most significant and unique art deco buildings – the Alfred Nicholas mansion.

“The mansion has sat vacant for 36 years and is in need of urgent restoration and care.”

The permits will also see works start on the development of new buildings and landscaping, with works expected to start onsite in October.

A render of the Burnham Beeches redevelopment.

The Herald Sun previously reported that Trenerry Property, which paid $16.6m for the estate, said its priority was to appease Heritage Victoria which had made no secret of its concern that urgent maintenance of the mansion, saving the 1930s treasure from falling into further disrepair, had not been done.

“We are very excited and proud to have received Heritage Victoria’s approval for our entire

masterplan, as presented to the local community and key stakeholders late last year,” Trenerry director Robert Dicintio said.

Burnham Beeches, a forest property on top of the Dandenongs, with a three-storey, 24-room mansion, pictured in 1956.

The mansion has sat vacant for 36 years. Photo: John Gollings

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of council and the local community as we work to restore Burnham Beeches to its former glory, keeping the restoration of the mansion and other heritage buildings at the heart of the project.”

The Trenerry Consortium, represented by The Victor Smorgon Group, The Kanat Group and Trenerry Property, has brought together the same team that delivered The Continental in Sorrento to Burnham Beeches.

The sprawling Burnham Beeches property was the former home of Alfred Nicholas, who co-launched pain relief product Aspro in 1917.

Alfred Nicholas’ great granddaughter Sophie Paterson Nicholas, who once lived at the estate, is helping the Consortium to ensure all local stakeholders are kept informed.

A third community consultation session will be held at the property in the coming

months.

Yarra Ranges Council planning and sustainable futures director Kath McClusky said the council had recently approved an amendment to the Burnham Beeches Planning Permit.

“The amendment was mostly administrative in nature; updating permit conditions and endorsing relevant documentation to allow works to start on the Alfred Nicholas mansion without delay,” Ms McClusky said.

“Part of this amendment included relocating an area of the proposed carpark to adjoin the existing carpark, adjacent to Sherbrooke Road.

“Some additional minor structures were approved, including open sided pergolas framing the “village green” area, to be used for seating associated with the approved food and drink premises.”

A Heritage Victoria spokesperson said Burnham Beeches was an important inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register and was of historical and architectural significance to Victoria.

“In line with Heritage Victoria conditions, we have issued a permit for the development of Burnham Beeches to ensure the conservation and use of the mansion and other heritage buildings into the future.”

Details: burnhambeeches.com.au