Adman John ‘Singo’ Singleton has listed his Paddington office complex, The Bonython, at 52 Victoria street Paddington with Ray White Woollahra sales agents Ben Vaughan and Randall Kemp.

With a price guide around $28 million, The Bonython consists of four buildings surrounding an inner courtyard.

John Singleton ran his first advertising agency SPASM from the building soon after he bought the property from Kym Bonython in 1976.

The 1890s former factory, hidden behind rows of terrace housing, was converted into an art gallery in 1967 by Mr Bonython, who exhibited works by the likes of Brett Whiteley, Ken Done and Sidney Nolan until 1976.

Ray White Woollahra Commercial Executive Ben Vaughan said 52 Victoria street Paddington was one of Sydney’s most significant land opportunities.

He said the building occupied 1452 sqm of land, with three access points, car  access via Victoria Place, and pedestrian access from Victoria Street and Underwood Street, Paddington.  

The property boasts 13 undercover car spaces with flexible E1 zoning.

Notable past tenants include Microsoft, NINEMSN, Seven, Mojo Advertising (Allan Johnston, Alan Morris) and Documentary Australia.

“The property suits an array of different end uses, from passive investment, private offices, residential/commercial development to that of a residential compound in the heart of Paddington,” Mr Vaughan said.

“We are expecting huge interest given this is such a unique and wonderful asset to own.”

Mr Singleton there was something about the building that “exudes success”.

“I once had a call from my accountant who said he’s had an offer from one of these tech blokes, an American, about Bonython. This guy wanted to do it all, increase the value and pay the rent at the improved market value. No one was that silly, I said. That was Bill Gates, and this became their Australian head office for Microsoft.

“This building has always been different. 

“You walk in here and people think ‘wow’. It’s amazing, people work here. It’s such a great place to work.”

The legend was that most of our business was because everyone wanted an invitation to our parties on Friday night. And there is a lot of truth in that because it was a who’s who of Kerry Packer, Rupert Murdoch, Gerry Harvey and Jack Cowin. 

“In many ways it was just so unique. It was all so fantastic.”

He said the buyer will be someone who believes that taste and efficiency are not mutually exclusive.

“The reason so much creative work came out of here, in so many categories, is because when you walk in here, you all feel the same. It’s very special.”

Mr Singleton has appointed Ben Vaughan and Randall Kemp to market The Bonython via expressions of interest closing on March 20.

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