Swimming legend Grant Hackett and his wife, Sharlene, have put their Brighton block of land on the market, walking away from plans to build a sprawling family home on one of Melbourne’s most prestigious streets.
The 1,181-square-metre site at 7 Mulgoa Street comes with approved plans for a residence featuring a basement level, two above-ground floors, an indoor lap pool, an outdoor water feature, home gym and cinema.
The couple paid $8.5 million for the vacant block in 2024 and is now seeking $8 million to $8.8 million through Marshall White’s Campbell Butters, with expressions of interest closing June 9.
A sale at the asking price would leave the Hacketts with little to no profit on the land. Combined with the $7.4 million sale of their Rothesay Avenue home in March last year, they will have sold close to $16 million worth of Brighton property in roughly 18 months.
Marshall White agent Campbell Butterss said the Mulgoa Street block, with more than 25 metres of street frontage, is one of the wider blocks currently available in Brighton. Campbell told realestate.com.au a buyer could add a build worth as much as $10 million to the block, and that the approved plans remain active for anyone who wants to explore them.
“Particularly for the really good spots, and this is one of those,” Campbell said.
“And you are surrounded by dream homes.”
The agent said a buyer could add a build worth as much as $10 million to the block, and that the approved plans remain active for anyone who wants to explore them.
Campbell noted Brighton’s top end has remained relatively robust, with strong buyer interest in premium properties.
The address sits among Brighton’s most elite streets, surrounded by mansions and a short walk from the beach and yacht club.
Grant won gold in the 1500-metre freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and again in Athens in 2004, though he was at times bested by fellow Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe along the way. He added silver and bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and claimed multiple World Championship titles.
Since retiring from competitive swimming, Grant has worked as a commentator and television presenter. He currently serves as chief executive of Generation Development Group.