Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have suffered another setback in their plans to build a second ‘Westfield-style’ mansion on a 35 hectare site in an exclusive part of Byron Bay.
Daily Mail Australia reports that in August, the Hemsworths planned to build seven new homes with ensuite bathrooms – all within a short distance of the $30 million mansion.
While the new homes are expected to cost Hollywood’s power couple $4.4million, they remain on the planning table at this time.
Daily Mail Australia was informed that approval of the new compound is being held back by Byron Bay Council due to a shortage in expertise.
Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky and their plan to build a new Westfield-style Byron Bay mansion have been delayed
This $4.4million mansion in Westfield style will be located less than one kilometre away from their $30 million family home.
‘The council has lost a bunch of their staff in recent times and there is a huge backlog in processing Development Approvals,’ a source told Daily Mail Australia.
“Not much is happening right now.”
This development is plagued by problems since its lodgement earlier this year. Experts say the Hemsworths may be ‘dreaming,’ as they wish to achieve their stated budget.
“The Development Approval stated that the cost of building the houses would be $4.4 million. I reckon that wouldn’t put Christmas dinner on the Hemsworth’s table,’ a building industry expert told Daily Mail Australia in August.
“The number will be more.
Hemsworth paid $4.25million for the property in 2019, which is approximately one kilometre from his Byron Bay house.
A blowout like this is unlikely to affect the Thor star’s and his wife’s net worth, which totals about $200 million.
The first development plans were filed in March. A final draft was submitted to Byron Bay Council on July.
Hemsworths do everything they can to avoid the disappointment.
Chris and Elsa are planning to build seven new bedrooms, each one with its own bathroom.
The new 35-hectare property has seen the construction of a riding center called El Caballo Blanco (pictured).
Chris and Elsa, it is believed that they are the latest buyers of a unique 1,312-acre parcel on Tasmania’s oceanfront called Piano Coves.
This area contains eight land titles, with an estimated price range of $10million to $15million.
The property lies in the state’s northeast and has almost 3km of beach frontage.
After Chris, his brother Liam, and Luke bought multi-million dollar properties in NSW’s Northern Rivers area, the sale was made.
These transactions have ‘pushed up’ house prices in Newrybar 18 km from Byron Bay.
The final approval of the plans to build a four-story home in Byron Bay has been granted
The council is dealing with a huge backlog in processing Development Approvals according to a source
Pataky wore a bikini just last month as she basked in the sun at her Byron Bay home.
Spanish actress 45 years old showed off her impressive figure as she and a girl frolicked in an infinity pool.
Pataky shared some photos to Instagram showing the couple dancing at the ocean’s edge, with the beach as background.
The Snakes On A Plane actor had stayed in Byron Bay as her husband filmed his Marvel film Thor: Love and Thunder.
Hemsworth flew alone from Australia to Los Angeles, leaving behind his children and wife to work on the new blockbuster.
The Aussie superstar appears also to hide his frustration at the delay in their latest property development.
Just weeks ago he and his brothers Liam and Luke made a rare public appearance together as they stepped out for dinner with their father Craig and Liam’s girlfriend Gabriella Brooks.
Elsa, right (right), doesn’t seem to be bothered by delays due to development. She was seen sipping cocktails next her infinity pool.
Hemsworth, his family, and friends were all smiling when they left Santa Monica’s Via Veneto restaurant.
Daily Mail Australia reported in September that Hemsworth’s development was already causing a stir among Byron Bay residents. The council confirmed it had received four objections.
It was the same month the development had been expected to be given the green light.
After incorrectly undervaluing the development by over $1 million, the council had to re-gazette it.
Also, the development must now be presented to council at a public meeting. This will allow for debate with other potential objectors.
Hemsworth has detailed plans that show the new home is 35m long and four-storeys high. It also features a butler’s pantry, swimming pool and mandatory butler.
The homes will need to have a minimum of 35 solar panels.
The couple is rumoured to be the buyers of an 1,312-acre property (pictured) located in northeast Tasmania that includes eight land titles
The Hemsworths will be able to maintain their dwellings cool by dipping into the grid, despite temperatures never falling below 20C.
“He’ll need his aircon running 24/7 during summer since it’s so hot up there,” a local stated.
Hemsworth will build a second house on the same site with two bedrooms, and two baths.
It is located on the water’s edge and has its own cabana, as well an area for entertainment that surrounds the pool.
The Hemsworths will have a three-car garage that they can use for their Hollywood friends and family.
The site has already raised the eyebrows of some inquisitive locals, who have raised concerns over some of the Hemsworth’s existing structures.
Aerial photography shows a large stable complex has already been constructed and a large horse ring.
Branded ‘El Caballo Blanco’ by some – in reference to a famous horse riding theme park that operated at Catherine Field on the outskirts of Sydney in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Chris and Elsa are thought to have an estimated combined net worth around $200 million.
After construction of Hemsworth’s new home in 2017, there was a divide in Byron Bay.
It is a fortress-like structure that sits high over Seven Mile Beach. The property has a fitness center, butler’s pantry, firepit, change rooms and an outdoor play area.
Angrily angry neighbours quickly said that the building reminded of a suburban shopping mall, a renovated RSL club or an airport terminal.
It was compared to a multistorey carpark.
Some Australians attacked Hemsworths because of comments the actor had made regarding the construction of an eco resort nearby that blocks access to beaches from his land.
“Yeah whinge” about a resort near your private jet’s Eco house… Not, wrote a Sydney man.
Elsa Pataky & Chris Hemsworth at the Sony Pictures’ “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood,” Los Angeles Premiere, Hollywood 2019
Hemsworth is still a popular Australian among his peers.
In June, he was recognised for his service to the arts and his commitment to charitable organisations in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
The 37-year-old was made a Member of the Order of Australia after donating $1 million to the country’s bushfire appeal at the start of 2020 – in addition to ongoing financial backing of groups leading the country’s recovery from the fires.
Hemsworth is a volunteer for charity organizations since 2009. He became patron for The Australian Childhood Foundation in 2009.
He also supports global charities Baby2Baby, Motion Picture and Television Fund Foundation, Hollywood Charity Horse Show, J/P Haitian Relief Organization, Oceana and the Robert F Kennedy Memorial.
“They donate millions here to charity. One Byron Bay resident wrote that they are certainly doing a lot with it.
“Does the little green thing sit on my shoulders? You and I are not able to do it. He’s done, so get off of his case,” another man said.