Community Response Shapes Final Draft of Bondi Junction Master Plan Before It Heads to Council

Community feedback on the draft Bondi Junction Master Plan has helped shape the final version of the strategy, which seeks to transform the centre into a world-class cultural, civic and commercial hub.

Waverley Council will next week vote on adopting the plan, which is built on four key areas to drive generational change – creating a destination, improving connectivity, developing an urban oasis, and smart planning for growth – as well as two catalyst projects, being the rejuvenation of Oxford Street Mall and a new Civic precinct.

“The community response to the draft Master Plan shows broad support for the vision we have developed,” Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said.

“Locals want Bondi Junction to be a place that is alive, activated and vibrant while providing the services and infrastructure expected of a world-class destination.”

There was strong support for the transformation of Oxford Street Mall and plans to improve access to the Bondi Junction train station and bus interchange, as well as delivering more cycling and walking paths throughout the suburb.

The plan for more community facilities within the Civic precinct – from a new Library to a performing arts space – was well-received, as was a major boost to public green spaces.

Feedback received relating to building heights and heritage has been addressed.

“We have heard the feedback and made amendments to the draft Master Plan to balance the needs of a growing population with our responsibilities to improve housing supply while preserving heritage and amenity,” Cr Nemesh said.

The key amendments are:

• Building heights: Building heights around expanded Clementson Park and Ebley Street and within Heritage Conservation Areas (HCA) have been realigned to heights proposed by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

• Heritage: The plan also explicitly states that heritage items like Westgate House and The Nelson Hotel will be protected.

“This is a strategy for managing growth and ensuring we do density well in the areas where it is most appropriate,” Cr Nemesh said.

“Importantly, the Master Plan is just the first piece of work to be done. If adopted, there will be further detailed technical studies as part of a Planning Proposal process. Council will continue to consult our community every step of the way.”

The projected increase in housing supply in Bondi Junction is modest compared to other parts of Sydney. For example, Woollahra is facing the prospect of an additional 10,000 dwellings while Mosman is looking at a boost to supply by at least 4700 dwellings.

The building heights proposed within the draft Master Plan are significantly less than those proposed under current State Significant Development applications within Bondi Junction.

The final draft of the Master Plan will be considered at the July meeting of Council next Tuesday.