Heworth Tweaks Long-Awaited Balmain Leagues Site Plans

Architecture practice Scott Carver has unveiled the latest designs that aim for an “authentic local village experience” at the former Balmain Leagues Club redevelopment. 

The designs will have the mixed-use Rozelle precinct centre around a new village square.

At the same time, developer Heworth Property Group has lodged amendments to its approved application with the Inner West Council. 

The changes will cut the number of apartments from 167 to 147 and change the apartment mix, increasing the number of two and three-bedroom apartments.

A complex of high-end residential apartments with ‘articulated’ towers will have two to three-storey podium elements. 

There will be a supermarket as well as commercial and community spaces, and a food and beverage precinct adjoining central public plaza. 

This will be connected to the site’s three frontages of Victoria Road, Darling and Waterloo streets via a series of laneways.

The Rozelle Village development will be home to a new Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.

Heworth head of property Chris Walsh said the new designs would “significantly enhance” Rozelle.

“Through our amendments, we are seeking to change the apartment mix increasing the number of two and three-bedroom apartments as we feel the larger size floor plates and premium interior architecture, fixtures and fittings, will appeal to discerning local owner-occupiers, particularly downsizers,” he said.

▲ Newly lodged changes will reduce the number of apartments by 20, to 147 high-end units at Rozelle Village.

Scott Carver principal Thomas Hansen said the architectural vision of Rozelle Village aimed to redefine what was formerly a derelict and unused site.

“The Balmain Leagues Club redevelopment presents a unique opportunity to transform a historically significant site into a cultural and community focused place for residents and locals to live, work, and play.”

Heworth, which acquired the site for $75 million in 2018, has faced a grueling development process, dogged by controversy. 

The $135-million development was approved in September, 2020. 

But in 2021, a compulsory seven-year leasehold was imposed on the site by Transport for NSW, which wanted to use it during construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

Last May, the site was gutted fire under suspicious circumstances.

Heworth plans to begin construction in the middle of this year, with completion expected by early 2026.