Elizabeth Bay’s former CWA headquarters destined for 30 apartments

A Chinese-owned developer has submitted plans to City of Sydney for 30 units on the site of the former Country Women’s Association headquarters in Elizabeth Bay.

There was dissent in the CWA ranks when the 1347 sqm site at 11-13 Greenknowe Ave hit the market in 2014, with a volunteer of 40 years facing expulsion because she criticised the sale on Facebook.

The building had housed the CWA for 64 years and had needed an upgrade estimated to cost $3 million, so 73 per cent of members voted for the sale of its most valuable asset.

But the sale certainly boosted CWA coffers.

There’d been hopes of $15 million and it was initially reported to have sold for $18.4 million. But CoreLogic data now indicates SHMH Properties, which is owned by Shanghai Minhang Real Estate Development, was so keen to buy the prestigious site it paid $20,240,000.

They said at the time of the purchase they intended to build apartments on the site, but they certainly took their time. There were temporary plans to convert the building into a 52-room boarding house, attracting a petition on change.org in 2016.

The site sold for $20,240,000.

Now SHMH Properties have onsold to the developer, Top Spring Australia, which is owned by Hong Kong-based Top Spring International.

A Top Spring spokesman couldn’t disclose the sale price, which is likely to show up on CoreLogic in December. But they’ve lodged a DA to build a six-storey block of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on the site.

The spokesman confirmed the original building would be torn down and a new block with a brick facade and art deco features would rise in its place.

It’s expected to be complete in three years.

Designed by PBD Architects with landscaping by Taylor Brammer, the proposed apartments will include a penthouse and there’ll be a single level of basement carparking for 31 vehicles.

A street view of the proposed development.

The size of the apartments and are still to be finalised and it’s too early to give an indication of pricing.

The spokesman said ceiling heights would be higher than standard at 2.7 metres.

Top Spring Australia director Sydney Ma said: “We are incredibly passionate about delivering a high level of quality and design on this project, because we recognise the importance of achieving an end product that matches the distinctive character of Elizabeth Bay.”

He added that property in the suburb was very tightly held. “With very little new stock coming to market, we expect there to be significant interest in this project,” Ma said.

Location, location.

Taylor Brammer are planning an “urban oasis” with green walls and privacy screening, plus an outdoor entertaining terrace for residents with water features, a barbecue and a kitchenette.

Drawings show a rooftop garden with veggie patches and residents doing yoga.

Both private and semi-private green zones are planned. Mr Ma said: “With many of us now transitioning into working from home arrangements, these private outdoor spaces can play an important role in extending the boundaries of the traditional home office.”

The CWA headquarters initially leased the building from the new owner for a year, but have now moved to Mascot.

This article from the Wentworth Courier originally appeared as “Developer lodges plans for 30 units on Country Women’s Association Elizabeth Bay HQ site”