New Melbourne elite club on heritage South Yarra site

South Yarra’s historic Poolman House would be turned into a private club for the elite under a $12.5m plan.

The mansion would become an ‘internationally renowned private members club’.

A grand South Yarra mansion with a history of hosting Melbourne’s high society and political elite would be transformed into an “internationally renowned private members club” under a $12.5 million plan.

Poolman House in Domain Rd was built in 1865, with a ballroom added in 1928 to entertain guests including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, former PM Tony Abbott and Liberal party soirees.

But an investment group including the rich lister Smorgon family wants to turn the 156 year old estate with a pool, tennis court and private dining room into a high end club and hotel. Plans lodged with the City of Melbourne reveal the heritage mansion would be redeveloped to house nine hotel rooms, club and event space, a garden lounge, conservatory and reception area.

An artist's impression of the plush poolside area at the new club.

Poolman House as it stands today.

A plush new three storey building on the prime 2753sq m site, would include two restaurants – indoor and outdoor- 12 hotel rooms, “club floor’’ and a 21 space basement car park

Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece said plans for “one of the grandest and most recognisable mansions in South Yarra’’ would be “carefully considered’’ by the council.

“It’s vital any redevelopment of such a historic site delivers a high-quality design outcome while respecting the buildings unique character and significant heritage value to the city,’’ he said.

The Smorgon family bought the mansion for about $18 million from businessman and former Richmond footy club director John Matthies and last year offered for rent at $10,000 a week.

The existing building, a short walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Yarra River, would undergo minor demolition, “restoration and adaptive re use’’.

The site would house 12 hotel rooms, two restaurants and communal courtyard with rectrable roof.

A communal courtyard with a glass retractable roof, gardens, swimming pool outdoor lounge and lawn would be built between the two buildings.

And 13 trees would be axed to make way for the new building to cater for 481 patrons from 7am to 3am from Thursday to Saturday and 7am-1am most other days.

The Smorgon family bought the mansion for about $18 million from businessman and former Richmond footy club director John Matthies and last year offered for rent at $10,000 a week

Stock and station agent Richard Goldsbrough built the mansion which was owned by the Poolman family from 1921, who held grand parties in the ballroom they added.

The pitch to council said the development would carry on “a long history of hosting Melbourne’s high society and politicians.’’

“The proposed development looks to build on the sites rich history and re-establish Poolman House as a destination for creative people to come together,’’ it said.