Luxury $30 million development promises upscale aged-care living on historic Mosman estate.

By ANNA USHER

Plans for a $30 million “twilight” centre to cater for Mosman’s ageing population have been lodged with Council on the site of the historic “Ellamatta” mansion built more than 150 years ago.

If approved, the 7,648 sqm site comprising 1 Ellamatta Ave, 2 Alexander Ave and 1 Effingham St will become a sprawling luxury complex of 23 independent-living units.

To be called “The Alexander”, the project promises several new structures and a refurbished hospital building, offering “much-needed residential choices” to serve local retirees.

“The new senior community in Mosman aims to become a premier gathering spot in an upscale urban setting,” documents submitted to the Council said.

Amenities such as a Beauty Salon, Wine Bar, Office Suites and an Exercise Studio are also on the cards to compete with other new retirement communities in Sydney.

“Apartment specifications may feature bespoke joinery, premium appliances, hardwood flooring, expansive windows, cutting-edge home technology, and luxurious finishes,” a report prepared by More Living and submitted with the DA states.

“Penthouse units may also have exclusive touches like private cellars, marble countertops, and imported fixtures. Generous floorplans with multiple living spaces, full studies, laundry rooms, and spacious master suites epitomise luxury.”

“Offering customisation options allows residents to personalise their homes, including upgrades such as integrated appliances.

“In line with Mosman’s ambience, outdoor terraces are essential, providing residents with modern alfresco entertainment spaces.”

According to a heritage statement prepared by John Oultram Heritage and Design, the development would not detract from the site’s heritage significance.

“The proposed conversion to aged care … (would allow for) the reversal of some of the later changes and the removal of intrusive additions and, importantly, the reinstatement of the handsome veranda to Ellamatta,” it says.

Ellamatta was erected around 1870 for Edward Mawney Sayers, the first Member of Parliament to represent the area. Originally extending south from Alexander Avenue to Ellamatta Avenue, it became the Church of England Preparatory School in 1907.

In 1916, Ellamatta was purchased by Jessie Harnett to accommodate her hospital, Glengarry. Jessie Harnett was the daughter of Richard Harnett Senior, a well-known developer in the area.

Called ‘All Saints Church of England Hospital’, the facility became the Mosman Community Hospital in 1948 and incorporated as a non-profit company. In 1969, it became a public hospital, and in 1989, it was privatised by Health Care of Australia, a subsidiary of Mayne Nickless Pty Ltd.

Twilight Aged Care, developers of the project, acquired Ellamatta and the adjacent Glengarry property in the late 1990s.

“In 1999, Twilight Aged Care established a new aged care facility on the site known as Glengarry at Mosman (or Glengarry), operating out of Glengarry House, which was linked to the adjacent Yapunyah residence,” the D.A states.

“The facility is situated immediately behind Mosman Hospital, with access from Ellamatta Avenue.

“The Mosman Eye Centre, acquired in 2000, is situated immediately west of Mosman Hospital. The centre has operated at this site since 1998, accessed from an extension of Effingham Street (also known as Glengarry Lane). It provides a range of remedial eye treatment and surgical services.

“Together, these three sites form a large, centrally located holding, within 500 metres of the Mosman town centre and adjacent to recreational facilities and bushland reserves.”