Central Element Wins Approval for Ballamac House

Central Element will restore historical Ballamac House, creating a boutique apartment development at Coogee. 

The Sydney-based developer has been greenlit to create eight, three-bedroom apartments as part of the restoration of the building from the 1860s, as well as a new four-storey build, at 39 Arcadia Street. 

This will be the latest incarnation of Ballamac House, which has beena private home, hotel, and infirmary, and was converted into a strata title about 50 years ago. 

The heritage Victorian-era house will be converted into two residences, with a further six homes in the new build to the east, designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.

There will also be a communal outdoor area on the 1500sq m site with a pool by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture using original sandstone from the site in the design.

Central Element managing director Nathan Chivas said it was a hallmark project and would make a lasting impact.

“Ballamac House has been a permanent fixture on Coogee’s north headland for more than a century, so it was crucial to honour its great legacy and restore the property,” Chivas said.

“The conservation of the original house will see us retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wraparound veranda, as an ode the luxury of estate living.”

▲ The property was established by Charles Moore and later owned by newspaper proprietor Sir James Joynton-Smith, whose guests included the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII.

Construction on Ballamac House is expected to begin towards the end of 2023 and adds to multiple partnerships between the developer and architect including 25Hours Paddington and The Minerva Potts Point.

Central Element has a multibillion-dollar portfolio of residential, mixed-use and lifestyle precincts, having delivered over 500 apartments across Sydney metropolitan locations.