Chris Hemsworth’s plans to build a second ‘Westfield-style’ mansion on a massive 35 hectare site just a stone’s throw away from his existing controversial Byron Bay megastructure has hit its first hurdle.
Daily Mail Australia revealed last month the Hemsworths hope to build a seven-bedroom home – each with its own ensuite bathroom – less than a kilometre from the mansion they currently call home.
The new development had been expected to get the green light on Monday, but will now need to be re-gazetted by Byron Shire Council after it incorrectly undervalued the development’s true cost by more than a million dollars in a previous listing.
Chris Hemsworth and his children on Tuesday after picking up a kite from a local toy shop
Chris Hemsworth’s new place has been playfully dubbed ‘El Caballao Blanco’. It sits just a kilometre from his existing mansion in Byron Bay.
Plans for a new four level home on Chris Hemsworth’s property have been lodged for final approval
Chris Hemsworth’s new property already has a large stable built on it. He wants to add a further two buildings to the site
Detailed plans show the sprawling residence will have four levels and sport a butler’s pantry and swimming pool.
A second building, adding another two bedrooms and two bathrooms, will sit next to a tranquil pond, which already has a cosy cabana and firepit.
A garage will comfortably hold three Ferraris for the Hemsworths or their Hollywood mates, who are expected to bunker down at the new pad should it get the all clear.
Hemsworth purchased the land for $4.25million in 2019, with the development forecast to cost the Hollywood giant $4.4million.
Daily Mail Australia has since learnt an internal bungle in gazetting the development to Byron Bay locals by the council has inadvertently delayed approval.
It is understood the Hemsworth development was gazetted with an expected cost less than $3million.
Even then, the council confirmed it had received four objections to the development.
Byron Shire Council director for sustainable environment and economy Shannon Burt told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday the development application had triggered a ‘level 2’ advertising criteria under the council’s development control plans given the cost of development works.
‘This was not picked up initially,’ she said.
The development will now need to be re-gazetted declaring the actual projected development estimation of $4.4million.
It will also need to be brought before the council in a public meeting, which will open up debate among other possible objectors.
Sprawling: Originally estimated at $20million, property experts said in January the LA-style compound was now worth $30million.
Chris Hemsworth is pumped for a new development to get the go ahead in Byron Bay
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have reportedly spent $17million on property in the Byron Bay area over the past five years.
Chris Hemsworth already has his own bowling alley in his existing Byron Bay mansion
‘The development application will be reported to council for determination. Some matters for consideration fall outside staff delegation. No time frame as yet for when,’ Ms Burt said.
Daily Mail Australia revealed development plans were first lodged with the council in March, with a final draft being submitted in July listing the planned development to cost a little over $4million.
On Tuesday, the development application had been removed from the council’s list of current developments listed for public scrutiny.
The new dwelling is about a kilometre as the crow flies from his current mansion, which sits on a relatively modest four hectares on New South Wales’ north coast.
The development of Hemsworth’s existing home divided opinion in their hometown upon its construction.
The final draft of a four-story dwelling Chris Hemsworth hopes to build on land he owns near his existing mansion in Byron Bay
Chris Hemsworth celebrates a Bulldogs victory within the confines of his Byron Bay mansion. The Bulldogs will play off in the AFL Grand Final against the Demons
A new horse arena and stables has been built on the expansive property
Hemsworth and his family began construction on his current Byron Bay mansion, named Kooeloah, in late 2017.
The fortress like property, which sits high above Seven Mile Beach, boasts a gymnasium, butler’s pantry, fire pit, change rooms, outdoor play area for the three Hemsworth children and walk-in wardrobes.
A 50-metre pool helps the family keep cool and stay fit and comes with a stunning view over the idyllic Broken Head Nature Reserve.
The Hemsworths first purchased the property in 2014 for $7 million and spent years building their dream mansion.
Angry neighbours were quick to say the brutalist architectural style reminded them of a suburban shopping centre, a refurbished RSL club or a regional airport terminal.
Others compared it to a multi-storey car park.
Originally estimated at $20million, property experts said in January the LA-style compound was now worth $30million.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Hemsworth’s management for comment.
Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth in 2019 before Covid restricted travel. They now dwell in Byron Bay when not making movies