PERIFA and Mitsubishi Estate Asia acquire site of former Balmain Leagues Club

PERIFA, a Sydney based end-to-end property developer and part of Versatile Group, alongside investment partner Mitsubishi Estate Asia (MEA) has acquired the former Balmain Leagues Club site, known as Rozelle Village, from Sydney based property investment house, Heworth Holdings. 

The landmark site is one of the most anticipated development sites in Sydney. PERIFA and MEA are accelerating plans to deliver a vibrant, mixed-use, cultural and community focused precinct – Rozelle Village. The $800 million Rozelle Village development aims to deliver a diversity of residential options for Sydney’s Inner West community, including a mix of premium private residences and affordable housing, alongside commercial, retail, communal open spaces and a long-awaited new home for the Wests Tiger’s Leagues Club. 

The project is the second collaboration between PERIFA and MEA, who are quickly establishing a reputation for transforming iconic Sydney sites into premium lifestyle precincts that are sympathetic to their heritage.

Leveraging their joint expertise, PERIFA and MEA are progressing plans to deliver the project, championing a new phase of revitalisation for the iconic 7,330 sqm site, which has been derelict and closed to the community since 2010. 

Fabrizio Perilli, Co-Founder and Managing Director, PERIFA, said: “The Balmain Leagues Club in Rozelle, which closed in 2010 to make way for the NSW Government Metro Transport Project, was once a hub for local families to come together and enjoy entertainment and hospitality. But for too many years the community has had to put up with a derelict site on their doorstep.

“We’re delighted to embark on a new era for the site, together with our partners Mitsubishi Estate Asia. Our shared vision for Rozelle Village is to create a mixed-use precinct that is thoughtfully designed and caters to new residents and the community alike. It will be a major meeting place for the community, that embraces the unique character of the Balmain/Rozelle peninsula, while helping to shape its next chapter.”

Yuzo Nishiyama, Head of Australia, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, says: “We’re thrilled to partner on such an iconic project for Sydney and we look forward to continuing our relationship with PERIFA, drawing on the team’s extensive expertise in delivering high quality precincts across residential, retail and commercial, as we work together to deliver Rozelle Village.”

Rozelle Village has been designed by local architecture practice Studio.SC, formerly Scott Carver, with interiors by SJB and landscaping by Arcadia. It will include a mix of high-quality one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with unrivalled views of the Sydney skyline and Sydney Harbour, a village square, including a range of new food and hospitality venues, a community art studio and a sophisticated retail precinct anchored by a full-line supermarket; a first for the peninsula. 

Located at the intersection of Victoria Road and Darling Street, pedestrian access to the precinct will be enhanced by a series of activated laneways leading to a 1,444sqm town plaza.  

Mr Perilli added: “We are proud to be delivering a precinct that will not only revitalise the area through the delivery of thriving new public spaces, high-quality apartments, well-considered retail and community facilities, but offer a considerable contribution to Sydney’s chronic lack of housing.

“Alongside our partnership with MEA we’ve been able to leverage the wider capabilities across the Versatile Group for Rozelle Village, including Versatile Construction, Procure Build and Absolute Tiling & Stone, and Gavel Co, a true testament to the power and value of a full-service real estate and construction entity.”

Demolition at the site is nearing completion, with the project currently progressing through a State Significant Development Application process. Versatile Construction will commence main building works by the end of Q2 2025, with project completion anticipated in 2028. 

David Milton, Managing Director Residential Projects at CBRE says: “It’s an iconic site, which is much loved in the local community. We’ve seen lots of interest already and we’re very excited to bring Rozelle Village to market.” 

In addition to Rozelle Village PERIFA and Mitsubishi Estate Asia are currently developing the $300 million heritage adaptive reuse site, Putney Wharf Residences alongside partners Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors.

Those who want to know more about the residences can register interest via rozellevillage.com.au