First look: Graaf Group plot iconic Mansions Terraces, Potts Point redevelopment

The Graaf retail and development dynasty are set to redevelop one of Potts Point's most iconic buildings into four luxury terraces.

The Graaf family, led by Graaf Founder, Managing Director, and family patriarch Gennaro Autore, have submitted a development application for 20-26 Bayswater Road, the heritage-listed Mansions Terraces which they secured last year for $22 million. They were previously the home of the famous Candy's Apartments Nightclub, as well as the backpacker hotspot World Bar, which occupied two of the terraces.

The terraces will be fully redeveloped and extended, which will free up more commercial space on the ground level.

The terraces themselves will have four bedrooms across the new 340 sqm of internal living space. The attic level will be converted into a full floor master suite with a rooftop terrace.

Tony Leung from A+ Design Group has drawn up the plans which aim to keep the "fingers" which have become synonymous with the site.

"The proposed development involves alterations and additions to an existing building, with majority of the existing front façade on Bayswater Road and the four ‘fingers’ on Mansion Lane being retained," the design verification statement submitted by Leung noted.

The lower ground and ground floor at the rear are proposed to be demolished and rebuilt with two new basement levels. The above ground works are proposed between the existing “fingers” and an additional part-floor attic level under roof space at the existing building height threshold.

"It respects the existing heritage building fabric by delicately curating rear wings design, to enable a contemporary and contextual fitting addition to the buildings while being able to provide a positive contribution to both existing and future public domain," the reported stated.

"The site presents a unique opportunity to revitalise the surrounding commercial with integrated residential neighbourhood because of its’ location,"

"It offers an extensive network in proximity to existing shops, public and private transportation, linking major arterial roads to the city, eastern suburbs and northern beaches."

The terraces are just 150 metres East of Kings Cross Train Station, and there are extensive public transport links in front of the site on Bayswater Road.

Graaf has a long history in both retail and property development. As well as handling the distribution of luxury retail brands Missoni and Brunello Cucinelli in Australia, they've been part of a number of commercial redevelopment projects across Sydney, including The Trust Building in the Sydney CBD, The Amalfi Way on Woolloomooloo wharf, as well as a number of store fitouts.