New HQ for Wests Ashfield at Balmain Leagues site

Chinese developer Heworth has amended plans for the redevelopment of the derelict Balmain Leagues Club site in Rozelle. The vandalised site, in Sydney’s inner west, has been vacant since the club closed 13 years ago, and was recently gutted apart by fire in May this year. 

Heworth has announced plans to start building Rozelle Village, a mixed-use project which will include a new town square, public plaza and retail precinct.

The commercial area will include a new Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, which amalgamated with the former Balmain Tigers Leagues Club.

Wests Ashfield CEO Simon Cook said the club was excited that plans had progressed on the redevelopment of the site and he was pleased the amendments by Heworth sought to improve the current design scheme.

“The redevelopment of the former Balmain Leagues Club has been years in the making. It’s highly anticipated by the Club members and they are very much looking forward to the delivery of a new state-of-the-art facility.”

The original site owners had sought approval for three larger apartment towers, several versions of which were rejected by planners. After the site was sold, Heworth was hit by a compulsory seven-year leasehold from Transport for NSW which wanted to use it as a “dive site” in the construction of the Western Harbour road tunnel. A few months ago, Transport for NSW confirmed it no longer needed the land acquired for the tunnel construction.

The new plans seek an amendment to a DA for three smaller towers on the prominent Victoria Road site, on the corner site of Darling and Waterloo streets in Rozelle.

Heworth has altered the plans to reduce the number of apartments from 167 to 147 so they can be larger 2- and 3-bedroom units.

Heworth Head of Property, Chris Walsh, said the amendments seek to make some significant improvements to the overall design scheme which will benefit the local community as well as residents.

“A key focus of our development is a new Town Square, public plaza and major retail and hospitality podium connected by a series of laneways. It’s going to significantly contribute to Rozelle and become a major community meeting place and destination,” he said.

“We are also 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.”

Heworth Holdings Group saying it expects to start work within six months with completion due in 2025. It’s anticipated the apartments will be selling off-the-plan in 2023. Rozelle Village’s bespoke retail precinct will be anchored by a major supermarket, providing greatly increased convenience to the local area.