Gretel Packer forks out $9m for Art Deco apartment in Sydney’s Macleay Regis building

Billionaire Gretel Packer is understood to have bought an Art Deco apartment in Sydney’s historic 1930s Macleay Regis building in inner city Potts Point, paying around $9m.

Billionaire Gretel Packer is understood to have bought an Art Deco apartment in Sydney’s historic 1930s Macleay Regis building.

Billionaire Gretel Packer is understood to have bought an Art Deco apartment in Sydney’s historic 1930s Macleay Regis building in inner city Potts Point, paying around $9m.

The two bedroom heritage apartment adjoins a luxury rental unit Ms Packer bought at auction in 2017 paying $8.75m.

The marketing agent for the luxury apartment with stunning harbour views was Clint Ballard of Sotheby’s International Realty. Mr Ballard was asking $9m throughout the sales campaign, which is understood to have attracted interstate interest from Queensland and Victorian purchasers. It is understood that the asking price was achieved, but Mr Ballard declined to comment on Wednesday morning.

The vendor of the Art Deco apartment overlooking Sydney Harbour was banker Greg Peacock.

Gretel Packer Picture: Robert Edwards

The 165 sqm apartment fronting 12 Macleay St has 180-degree views to seaside Manly and The Heads and includes a grand foyer with a concierge, two lifts, video intercom security and Venetian plaster walls.

Sources said it was possible Ms Packer, the daughter of the late billionaire tycoon Kerry Packer, may seek to amalgamate both her Macleay Regis apartments if planning permits.

Through a representative, she paid $8.75m for the adjoining apartment in 2017, beating around six buyers at an early evening auction to acquire the unit.

The grand entry foyer and classic art deco finishes of the Macleay Regis has long attracted Sydney’s wealthier buyers.

The apartment block was inspired by New York’s Rockefeller building and designed by well-known architects Pitt & Phillips, the building was constructed in the late 1930s for Woolworths co-founder Harold Percy Christmas, who retained the penthouse.

Meanwhile, Mr Ballard and his long term business partner James Ball, who previously ran Ballard Property, have struck an agreement to become managing partners of a new sales business which will run as an affiliate under the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. To be known as Ballard & Ball, it will service Sydney’s wealthy Eastern Suburbs and Coastal lifestyle areas.