Trenerry Consortium acquires historic Burnham Beeches
The Trenerry Consortium has announced the acquisition of the historic, Burnham Beeches in Melbourne’s Yarra Ranges. The transaction was managed directly with the former owners who will hand over the reins of the site’s regeneration.
The consortium intends to engage early with the close-knit community of the Dandenong Ranges as an important first step in a holistic review of the master plan.
Placemaking agency Village Well has been appointed to assist with this process, leaning on their extensive experience with both public and private development projects.
“ We are pleased to be embarking on this regenerative journey with the local community and to be working on such a significant and unique site which is both locally loved and globally distinctive. Burnham Beeches is truly a one time one place offering,” says Gilbert Rochecouste, Founder & Managing Director of Village Well.
The property was sold with a permit in place for stage one of the redevelopment, which the consortium intends to proceed with, however it will be seeking input into the amenity and functioning of Burnham Beeches as part of the early community consultation process.
The immediate priority will be to work with Heritage Victoria and Council on a number of building orders to be urgently addressed across the site.
The Consortium has appointed Hamilton Marino, who are also the builders of The Continental Hotel, to complete the works.
The 56-acre site is home to a number of heritage buildings which are set to be restored as part of extensive works to breathe new life into the property, including one of Victoria’s most significant art deco buildings, the renowned Alfred Nichols heritage mansion.
Investing in the experience economy is familiar territory for Trenerry, as it works to create a legacy of bringing Victorian heritage icons back to life.
The group recently acquired South Yarra’s Poolman House with plans to convert it to a hotel and private members’ club, while also preparing to open Sorrento’s $135 million Continental Hotel later this month.
On this latest venture, Trenerry Director Robert DiCintio said the opportunity to purchase Burnham Beeches was unpassable given its rich history and proximity to the centre of Melbourne.
“ We know there’s a really strong community sentiment around Burnham Beeches and we want to work with Council and the community together with Heritage Victoria and Parks Victoria to ensure this is a place to be enjoyed for generations to come,” he said.
“ There’s a lot to work through even in this initial stage, and years of work ahead. We are both respectful and excited, if not somewhat daunted, by the journey ahead but I believe with the support of Burnham’s passionate stakeholders together with our proven track record, we can see it operating in some capacity later this year.”
The Consortium is made up of The Victor Smorgon Group, The Kanat Group and Trenerry Property. As well as South Yarra’s Poolman House and The Continental in Sorrento, these proudly Victorian groups have been responsible for several other landmark projects - such as the West End Project in West Melbourne, Ebony at 347 Camberwell Road Camberwell and 88 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford.