How Jennifer Hawkins’ $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia’s wealthiest areas – as they fume over ‘Taj Mahal-sized’ landmark… and rumours swirl about the blowout cost

How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost

As a lifestyle expert with extensive experience in real estate and community dynamics, I find myself constantly amazed by the intricacies of human behavior and decision-making, especially when it comes to property development. The ongoing saga of Jennifer Hawkins’ mega-mansion at Whale Beach is a perfect example of this complex interplay.


As a devoted admirer, I’ve found myself often expressing that the grandiose mansion being erected by Jennifer Hawkins seems excessively large and incongruous within our local environment. Some have even humorously referred to it as the “Whale Beach version of the Taj Mahal.

In December 2022, Hawkins and her spouse, Jake Wall, commenced construction on their $30 million Westfield-like estate, following the granting of a $3.3 million building permit by Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council.

Over the past two years, the project remains unfinished, and residents allege that the expenses for ongoing work would significantly surpass what the influential duo initially proposed in their planning applications.

One upset resident told Daily Mail Australia they were sick of the ongoing construction and described it as ‘the biggest thing in the whole peninsular at the moment’.

They remarked, “It’s incredibly massive.” They added, “It doesn’t fit the charm of Whale Beach; it’s oversized and excess. Now, I feel uneasy.

The resident added they were worried Northern Beaches Council was not receiving the right fees and taxes on the project, which they believed would be now well over the budgeted $3.3million.

They estimated that the current expenses would amount to at least ten million dollars. It seems the council is forgoing significant funds since they’re not monitoring the progress of the project, according to them.

Locals raised concerns that the planned $30 million house might not harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood properties, whose typical value was approximately $10 million.

How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost

‘I want the council to assess the building properly and charge the appropriate fees. We as the ratepayers are missing out on a lot.’ 

The Northern Beaches Council explained to Daily Mail Australia that even though the initial grant’s costs were overshot, there was no prior judicial decision requiring extra charges to be paid.

In 2020 when the development application was submitted, the Council reviewed a cost estimate report that was put together by a licensed builder. They didn’t discover any inconsistencies or issues within the provided cost estimate.

‘The cost of construction has substantially increased since 2020. However, there is no legislative basis to charge additional fees for development applications where construction costs have escalated.’

Daily Mail Australia has also reached out to Jennifer Hawkins for comment. 

Previously, residents near Whale Beach expressed their anger over the continuous construction, as a steady flow of trucks obstructed the slender road and remained parked there for extended periods.

How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost
How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost
How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost

Based on a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, people living nearby reported feeling shaken, as one neighbor found his driveway obstructed multiple times, lasting for extended periods.

Meanwhile, another local claimed their front lawn had been damaged by cement mixers.

Moreover, the ongoing construction sounds consistently disturbed the tranquil haven that used to be the serene suburban corner previously.

Forty-year-old Hawkins and her forty-one-year-old spouse, Wall, have no plans to reside in the property themselves, as they’ve supposedly already transferred ownership to a well-known entrepreneur.

Last month, aerial images captured by Daily Mail Australia revealed a large-scale construction project underway, occupying an area four times larger than adjacent luxury homes.

The old 1950s house was torn down to construct a contemporary, multi-story manor featuring a basketball court, pool, and expansive garage instead.

This upscale dwelling will offer an internal elevator linking all its levels, along with five bedrooms, various lounges, and a spacious kitchen area.

The property will have jaw-dropping oceanside views and sit atop a stunning cliffside close to local amenities.

At present, the construction site is covered by a fresh layer of dirt, occupying an area equivalent to two adjacent plots. It’s perched atop a slope that offers a panoramic view of the beach below.

How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost
How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost
How Jennifer Hawkins' $30m mega mansion construction project has infuriated neighbours in one of Australia's wealthiest areas - as they fume over 'Taj Mahal-sized' landmark... and rumours swirl about the blowout cost

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2024-10-28 05:04

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