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See Palomar, The Luxury Apartments Set To Rise In Bellevue Hill

A Mediterranean style residential project, called Palomar, will soon rise at Drumalbyn Road in Bellevue Hill.

Read: Buying than Renting a House Cheaper in Bellevue Hill

Works are underway for Palomar, which will be a luxury residential community that offers three-bedroom units with state of the art finishes, open plan kitchen, and spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining.

For this project, RnB Property Group drew inspiration from the Spanish mission style building which originally stood on the site. Although the developers created a brand new building, they kept the same name and the overall look of Palomar, which was designed in 1928.

Designed by renowned firm MHN Design Union, –the award-winning group behind some of extraordinary buildings like The Crescent in Darling Point, the Kaunas M. K Concert Centre, and Bondi Beach Penthouse–the residential building will have expansive gardens and terraces and interior designed units.

Future residents will have access to a state-of-the-art security locker and mailbox system, with refrigeration facility, designed specifically for online orders and postal system packages.

The new residential project, which was already sold out, also features high ceilings, herringbone timber floors, fully integrated appliances, double security parking, and landmark architectural design.

“A striking facade comprising white, brick finish and arched bronze windows overlooks one of the world’s celebrated North harbour aspects,” the developers said.

“Palomar captures the architectural romance of ancient port cities such as Tangiers and Casablanca, infusing every day with a rare other-worldliness that assures its residents of a life less ordinary.”

Read: Former Bellevue Hill Banker Starts Building Design Business After Training at TAFE NSW

The luxury residential, located at 49 Drumalbyn Road, Bellevue Hill is conveniently located near cafes, shops, public transport as well as Rose Bay waterfront and places of worship.

Agents for the property revealed the project caught the interest of expats and local downsizers who would like to stay in the eastern suburbs, whilst enjoying apartment-living.

Tradie Rushed to the Hospital in Bellevue Hill Rooftop Brawl

A tradie working on a Bellevue Hill house fell five metres down headfirst after a rooftop brawl with a co-worker.

The accident happened in the middle of the day on the 7th of December 2022 at a property on Old South Head Road. Witnesses said they could hear three tradies arguing with each other on the rooftop and some of the neighbours were able to capture videos right before the man fell to the ground.

Paramedics were immediately called to the scene and brought the tradie, who was 44 years old, to St Vincent’s Hospital. He was seen on a stretcher with a brace around his neck.

Waverley Police, on the other hand, took the two other men, who were the ages of 41 and 45, to the station but no charges have been made as of press time.

John, who works as a site supervisor in another construction next door, said that blood was coming out of the tradie who fell and he appeared to be disoriented. Initially, he thought his workers were fighting but he could not make out what they were screaming about until someone told him that the fight was at another site.

The worksite was closed the following day, leaving the roof unfinished with a gaping hole. According to John, WorkCover ordered the shutdown pending an investigation with SafeWork NSW and the police.

The men have been renovating a house that belonged to a family for more than 30 years. The tenants of the house said that they were unaware of the fight and thus could not comment on what happened.

The Scots College Issues Warning About ‘Stranger Danger’

Parents and carer of students from The Scots College in Bellevue Hill are being urged to be extra vigilant following reports of a child being approached by a stranger outside school grounds.

Read: Cranbrook School to Start Accepting Girls in 2026

A Prep School student from The Scots College was allegedly approached by a tattooed man at the bus stop on Victoria Road at around 4:00 p.m. The man, who was said to be driving a black sedan, offered the child a ride who eventually refused the gesture.

Mt Graham Pattison, deputy principal at the boys’ school, and preparatory school head Mr John Crerar, immediately informed parents of the incident, by sending an email to them.

The school reminded parents to teach their children not to accept lifts or alternative travel arrangements from strangers or people they don’t know.

One parent who wishes not to be named appreciated that the school immediately informed them about the incident, adding that they will discuss it with their child for them to remain vigilant.

Besides alerting the authorities about the incident, The Scots College assured parents that they are taking extra precautions around the school grounds.

Teaching Kids to be Smart Around Strangers

Community Early Learning Australia, the peak body for Australia’ early childhood education sector, believes in empowering children in all situations with all types of people, be it a stranger or someone they know.

Parents should be reminded about the importance of teaching children “body awareness and autonomy” and learning “how to say no.”

Body awareness includes understanding emotions and recognising body clues. When a child can name and understand his feelings, it can give him the emotional vocabulary needed to talk appropriately about them.

This leads to recognising physical clues when they are frightened or uncomfortable around certain people. Body clues that they are scared or nervous may include sweaty palms, heart pounding, and an unusual feeling in the tummy.

It’s also okay to say no, CELA noted. The non-profit organisation highlighted the importance of teaching children about saying no firmly with voice control and body language if another child or adult is not listening.

Read: Planned Construction of Bellevue Hill Scots College Library Objected

There are adults who tell children that it’s rude and disrespectful to say no, which becomes the reason why children find it difficult and scary to do so. However, when it comes to their bodies, children should be taught that there’s nothing wrong in saying no to hugs, kisses, touching or any invasion of personal space.

Cranbrook School to Start Accepting Girls in 2026

Photo Credit: Cranbrook School / Facebook

Did you know that Cranbrook School will start accepting girls in 2026? The Bellevue Hills school aims to become fully co-educational within a decade, after more than a hundred years of being an all-boys school.

After months of consultation about the proposed introduction of co-education in Years 11 and 12, the school shared in a recent communication with the school community and stakeholders that under the new plan, Cranbrook School will begin accepting female students in Years 7 and 11 from 2026.

There are no plans, however, for co-education in Junior School.

The move would mean female students will be admitted into Years 7 and 11 beginning in 2026 resulting in the Senior School becoming fully co-educational by 2029. The feedback, the notice said, was “highly instructive and caused the school to revisit a number of assumptions” as well as consider the issues surrounding the proposal..

The original proposal was for Years 11 and 12 to transition into co-education from 2023. Whilst a broad part of the community supported co-education, many parents raised concerns about the cohort size, the ratio of boys to girls, the potential impact of the transition, and choosing Year 11 as the entry point.

Cranbrook School to Introduce Co-education — Photo Credit: Cranbrook School / Facebook

Hence, the final model has considered Year 7 as the entry point for female students which the school said will allow the students to “grow together during their secondary education in preparation for senior years.

The communication furthered that the revised time frame would enable the school to “better shape the overall size of the cohort” and address the boy to girls ratio concerns. Likewise, it “overcomes” the parents’ concerns about having only female students in Years 11 and 12 whilst the middle years continue to be single-sex.

“In order to address both the desire to embrace a co-educational environment, but mitigate or remove the major concerns expressed by parents and alumni, the School Council has determined that Cranbrook should proceed to become a co-educational school within a time frame that minimises disruption to the boys currently enrolled in the senior years and allows for adequate planning to successfully manage the change,” said the notice signed by President of School Council Jon North and Headmaster Nicholas Sampson.

Whilst in the preparation phase, the School will continue with the implementation of the previously announced co-educational activities including the expanded co-curricular program, the Academy enrichment program and the development of an outdoor experiential program at Wolgan Valley for Years 9 and 10.

Bellevue Hill Veterinary Clinic Establishes Dog Blood Bank in the Eastern Suburbs

Southern Cross Vet, a Bellevue Hill veterinary clinic, has been set up as a donation hub and dog blood bank for pets in need in the Eastern Suburbs.

Sam Kovac, the owner of the Southern Cross which also has an outlet in Surry Hills, realised the need for the blood bank due to the increased frequency of the number of dogs requiring transfusion at his clinic.

Mr Kovac also plans to extend the service to cats and rabbits in the near future but the focus, for now, is to establish the dog blood bank.

“We have a growing database of generous, healthy, strong dogs who donate their blood every 6 months. After the careful collection, we type it, test it, label it and store it until it is needed,” Southern Cross Vet stated.

“The supply of fresh, typed, clean blood is ready to be delivered via our Concierge service to local veterinary clinics who need units of blood for transfusions, traumas, to prepare for risky surgeries or even to boost animals suffering with chronic diseases like cancer and chronic kidney disease who are experiencing a type of lethargy that worsens their quality of life.”

With this initiative, veterinary clinics around Southern Cross Vet in Bellevue Hill, particularly Wentworth, Grayndler and Kingsford-Smith LGAs, may phone in for free delivery of emergency blood.

However, Mr Kovac is also looking for donors to supply the dog blood bank. The animal doctor is hoping that more pet owners of greyhounds would consider donating. Greyhounds apparently have the richest in iron and is the breed only known universal blood type for dogs. A universal blood type means any breed may receive a blood transfusion from a greyhound.

Dog blood donation donors are ideal for pets who do not need to be sedated due to their calm demeanor. Larger dogs could also be able to donate to more patients in need.

Former Bellevue Hill Banker Starts Building Design Business After Training at TAFE NSW

Did you know that the construction industry is experiencing a boom and will continue to grow by 17 per cent in 2024? Bellevue Hill local, Ken Ng, is taking advantage of this growth by starting a business in building design, using the qualifications he gained at TAFE NSW.

Ken has been working in the banking industry for 25 years when he decided to shift to careers and pursue his love for architecture and design. His newfound skills combined with the growth in construction have resulted in some business success in a short time.

“My love for architecture and design had always been there,” Ken said. “Whilst I could draw famous buildings and describe different architectural styles, I didn’t have the technical or practical experience of how to apply building code, work with Council, or translate those drawings into construction plans. Those are things you can’t learn from reading magazines or watching videos.

“The TAFE NSW course put all the operational aspects of building design into practice. We worked through the design life cycle of a building project, trying our hand at costing, applying building code, working through concepts. It gave me an understanding of what decisions I could make within my designer’s scope.”

A renovation project of his own house motivated him to take up the courses.

“Working on my own house meant processes such as writing an environmental report, contributing to site plans, and understanding building materials were fresh in my mind. So, the course more-or-less formalised my knowledge in those areas.”

After earning his qualification, Ken has completed a small interior design project in Epping, and is working on reconfiguring a house in Paddington, a renovation in Melbourne and a pavilion extension on a property in the Southern Highlands.

TAFE NSW Teacher David Russell-Jones said Ken’s experience was a good example of being able to give a student the information they need to achieve their career goal, at a pace that allows them to fit their study in with their life.

“As teachers, it makes us proud to see students like Ken building up a new career they love with the help of TAFE NSW,” Mr Russell-Jones said.

For more information about studying a TAFE NSW course online visit www.tafensw.com.au or phone 131 601.

Stop-Work Order Issued for The Acre in Bellevue Hill

A stop-work order has been issued for The Acre in Bellevue Hill following the discovery of serious defects by inspectors.

Whilst the stop-order is in effect, the developer is prevented from making settlements with apartment buyers.

Units of this posh residential complex, found along Cooper Road Park on the former site of the Bellevue Hill Bowling Club, sold off a few years ago for $1.8 million (two-bedroom) $2.2 million (three-bedroom), and $4.5 million (penthouse). The Acre was planned for 27 units and four penthouses overlooking Cooper Park.

In May 2021, NSW Building Commissioner (NSWBC) David Chandler ordered the builder, Maryland Developments, to fix the issues after a routine audit. According to reports, the inspectors cited areas with serious defects that did not comply with the state’s building standards, such as the apartment’s waterproofing in the bathrooms and planter boxes, fire-safety systems, and the load-bearing component.

Highlights

Building work for The Acre in Bellevue Hill has been temporarily stopped.
Inspectors from the NSW Building Commissioner’s office found issues with the project during a routine audit.
Maryland Developments was ordered to replace the builder and have six months to fix the issues.

The inspectors also found slabs of concrete covers that were insufficient and ineffective within the basement. There had exposed reinforced steel that could lead to corrosion and eventually compromise the building’s structural integrity.

Mr Chandler’s office stated that the stop-work order was necessary to prevent any unsupervised work whilst a replacement builder has to plan how to fix the issues and determine the scope of works.

The developer said that whilst the inspection was thorough, the issues seen were not “defects” but work that has yet to be completed. The NSWBC has given them six months to fix the issues.

Maryland Developments said that this should not impact the values of the apartments since the issues will be rectified. They said that they continue to receive enquiries and interest for the apartment.

The NSWBC said it will monitor The Acre. Its work is to ascertain that building issues are found and fixed before people move into the property.

New Proposal at Cranbrook Boys’ Private School Considers Co-Education

Cranbrook, a private school in Bellevue Hill, Sydney is considering opening its doors to female students for the first time in 102 years following a plan backed by Scott Farquhar.

Mr Farquhar, the co-founder and co-CEO of the software company Atlassian, has shown his support for the plan which aims to gradually transform Cranbrook, one of the most prestigious boy schools into a co-educational institution.

The proposal, which has yet to be lodged, came about after the school’s principal Nicholas Sampson and other senior members of staff conceptualised the initiative. Though specific details have not been released, Cranbrook head prefect Asher Learmonth mentioned in a school assembly that the students from boys-only schools seldom interact with girls outside of parties and mixers.

As a result, this proposal aims to provide girls with new educational opportunities while simultaneously allowing boys and girls to interact with one another and work together. If endorsed, female students at Cranbrook will be able to join International Baccalaureate Diploma classes in 2022, and over the years, girls will be able to enroll into the rest of the school.

Despite this, the proposal has drawn some controversy, with attention being drawn to the culture that boys’ private schools tend to foster. Hundreds of Sydney students have claimed they were sexually assaulted during their school years, and there are growing concerns over the safety of the girls who will enroll at these previously-all-boys schools.

Though nothing is currently concrete, it is estimated that the plan will be proposed to the school council shortly, though the councillors have mostly been supportive of the proposal for the school to become co-educational, there has been opposition from members who believe that Cranbrook should retain its all-male heritage.

Cranbrook can be found at 5 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill.

Buying than Renting a House Cheaper in Bellevue Hill

New research has revealed that at least 37 percent of suburbs across the country have better mortgage repayments that cost a lot less than a renter’s weekly payment. This is more apparent in Bellevue Hill and some suburbs in the outskirts of Sydney’s cities.

Domain.com.au senior research analyst Dr Nicola Powell said that this is great news for first-time buyers who want to invest in their own house but it’s also good news for renters who would receive more payment.

Whilst it is generally cheaper to rent than repay mortages in Sydney, the difference is only minimal and hardly noticeable, giving renters a savings of at least $10 to $62 a week.

According to their latest data, house rental vs mortgages has ballooned to $2,782 a week in Bellevue Hill and it is the biggest rate in Australia. In 2018, Corelogic also released data indicating that the advertised weekly median rents in this suburb were at $2,695 a week.

The research was based on the 2020’s median sales and rent data, and did not include housing costs like maintenance, Council rates and stamp duty.

This quiet hillside hideaway is a sanctuary for many high rollers as it is close to the beach yet located within minutes of shopping and dining choices at the CBD or neighbouring suburbs like Bondi Junction or Rose Bay.

Families also settle in these rolling hills as it has some of the best private schools in the region.

Meanwhile, here are the suburbs with higher weekly rent payments than mortgage repayments in the country.

Suburb	State	Weekly repayment	Weekly Rent	Difference between buying and renting
Mollymook Beach	NSW	$645	$1,260	-$615
Middleton	SA	$466	$1,050	-$584
Port Elliot	SA	$433	$1,015	-$582
Malua Bay	NSW	$532	$800	-$268
Newman	WA	$206	$451	-$245
Nickol	WA	$429	$670	-$241
Port Hedland	WA	$383	$601	-$218
Muirhead	NT	$418	$615	-$197
Moranbah	QLD	$231	$420	-$189
South Hedland	WA	$223	$400	-$177
Cable Beach	WA	$426	$600	-$174
Tuross Head	NSW	$422	$590	-$168
Gillen	NT	$355	$510	-$155
Bulgarra	WA	$348	$500	-$152
Box Hill	NSW	$424	$575	-$151
Broken Hill	NSW	$125	$270	-$145
Rasmussen	QLD	$184	$325	-$141
Goolwa South	SA	$295	$435	-$140
Woodridge	QLD	$165	$300	-$135
Manoora	QLD	$248	$383	-$134

Planned Construction of Bellevue Hill Scots College Library Objected

A debate has spurred over the planned construction of an opulent Scots College library in Bellevue Hill. The deliberation over the $29 million project, which has been designed like a Scottish castle, has now been turned over to an independent panel after some sectors complained that the building could ruin the harbour views and worsen traffic problems in the area.

The college initially planned to demolish the existing Stevenson Library, constructed in 1988, and replace this with a five-storey castle with pitched roof, tower, castellations and grand bay windows reminiscent of Scottish Baronial architecture. On top of the external designs, the new building will also include a 100-set theatre, a grand hall and a dining area.

*The existing Stevenson Library structure built in 1988.*
*Photo Credit: Google Map*

The artist’s impression of the new library.
Photo Credit: Independent Planning Commission

According to school officials, the current building lacks the amenities needed to support the students’ learning environment.

“This Scottish design style highlights significant traits of the proposed student support programs within,” the school stated following the announcement of its plans to redevelop the library.

“The original concept of this style was as a fortified building, a defensible structure, a safe stronghold; in short, a sanctuary. In the Scots context, it embodies a safe place for boys. It is a building looking out for the boys, a lighthouse for them visible from all parts of the College.”

However, due to the volume of submissions against the library’s construction, Woollahra Council turned over the development plans to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).

Residents complained that the new school library could further congest the neighbourhood. As it is, the college has more than 1,000 students thus it is over capacity.

Scots College, however, stated in its proposal that the library’s redevelopment will not have any impact on traffic or parking spaces. It has applied for a separate plan to develop a new parking space and drop-off area on Victoria Road.

The NSW Heritage Council also raised concerns against the building’s design.

“The complicated and more massive roof form with its high turret and dormer protrusions, and prominent balustrading to the roof terrace would overshadow and diminish Aspinall House,” the NSW Heritage Council’s statement read.

*Photo Credit: Independent Planning Commission*

Scots College’s neighbor, the Barford Estate, also opposed the construction as it will compromise the views of the property.

“A number of the school’s buildings already project into the public and private viewshed from numerous vantage points. The proposed building presents an additional and unreasonable further intrusion. The proposed building design results in substantial loss of views and amenity for the Barford Estate,” a representative of the estate wrote the independent panel.

IPC has yet to make its decision as of press time. If approved, the new Scots College library will be set for completion in 2021 and will be funded by alumni donations and fund-raising efforts.