Central Element Receives DA Approval to Restore Historic Ballamac House in Coogee

Independent Sydney property developer Central Element (CE) has been granted development application (DA) approval for the restoration of 1860’s Ballamac House, located at 39 Arcadia Street Coogee. The historic property will enter a new era as it is respectfully restored and converted into one of the Eastern Suburbs’ most prestigious collections of residences.

Ballamac House has stood proud on Coogee’s north headland for many years as one of the city’s most coveted addresses, most recently being converted to a strata title in the 1970’s. Established by Charles Moore in 1860, the estate has lived many lives; as a private residence, hotel and infirmary. It has also been home to many prominent Australian figures and seen the likes of British Royalty roam its halls over the years.

Central Element’s vision of fusing old and new will bring the Ballamac House estate into a new era of luxury as it is transformed into eight prestigious oceanfront residences across two buildings. The heritage Victorian house itself will undergo a meticulous restoration to reinstate it to its original grandeur while catering to contemporary needs as it is converted into two exquisite residences, with the further six dwellings sitting in a new build to the east with awe-inspiring ocean views.

Leading the architectural aspects of the restoration and new build is Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG), a long-standing partner of Central Element and expert in heritage projects having collaborated on previous projects; 25Hours Paddington and The Minerva Potts Point.

The development occupies close to 1,500 square metres, with its eight premium residences spread out over 4 stories that stand at almost 15 metres tall. All residences feature three-bedrooms, with the rooftop and penthouse apartments boasting two expansive levels of living. Each residence will enjoy the prestigious oceanfront location on Coogee’s Northern headland with its uninterrupted views out to Wedding Cake Island.

The penthouse is set to be one of the most sought after addresses in the Eastern Suburbs. Its extravagant interiors have been configurated to maximise its north facing aspect with panoramic views spanning past Gordons Bay to Wylie's Baths. All three spacious bedrooms feature ensuites, the master occupying the whole top level with a study and flexible use second living room that can be shut off. It seamlessly opens up to the wrap around entertaining terrace boasting the best view in the building. The 231sqm residence will also feature its own internal lift, a second entertaining terrace on the first level, butler’s pantry, powder room and expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing ensuring the views are enjoyed from all the living areas.  

Along with the conservation and restoration of the historic elements of Ballamac House, the property will receive an extensive landscaping makeover by award-winning Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture (JILA). The landscaping vision is in response to the views and the heritage house, with all original sandstone utilised throughout the build so as to retain the buildings character, and only local native species selected where possible, taking into deep consideration the local area impact and longevity in the design. The communal outdoor area, with lush green gardens and magnesium pool promotes wellbeing, allowing residents to enjoy the health benefits and luxury of quintessential Australian outdoor living.

CE has a multi-billion dollar portfolio of residential, mixed-use and lifestyle precincts, having delivered over 500 apartments across Sydney metropolitan locations. Nathan Chivas, Managing Director of Central Element, commented on the company's latest project in the Coogee;

“Ballamac House has been a permanent fixture on Coogee’s north headland for over a Century, so it was crucial to honour its great legacy and restore the property. We are thrilled to partner with TZG Architects and JILA to bring the 1860s icon back to its original excellence. The conservation of the original house will see us retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wrap around verandah, as an ode the luxury of estate living. Ballamac House is a hallmark project for CE and will make a lasting impact on the celebrated beach lifestyle in of one of Sydney’s most sought-after addresses.”

Construction on Ballamac House is expected to commence towards the end of 2023.