Randwick Council to investigate new headquarters and community hub at car park in the heart of Kingsford

A high-rise community hub – potentially featuring a library, performance and retail space – could come to Kingsford as Randwick Council considers developing a car park and relocating its long-term headquarters.

1-11 Rainbow Street in Kingsford.

A high-rise community hub – potentially featuring a library, performance and retail space – could come to Kingsford as Randwick Council considers developing a car park and relocating its long-term headquarters.

Randwick councillors voted to support investigations into a new development at 1-11 Rainbow St in the heart of Kingsford’s town centre.

It comes six years after the site – currently used as a car park – was bought by Randwick Council from Transport for NSW with planning controls for the site at 17 storeys high.

The next step – a feasibility study - will look at the possibility of including a new community library, hall, meeting rooms along with a performance space and lecture theatre.

It will also determine whether it’s necessary to relocate council’s current administrations offices from 30 Frances St, Randwick – which is nearly 50 years old.

Randwick mayor Philipa Veitch. Photo: Mark Bond

The existing space – according to Randwick Council’s website – is set to be upgraded with new airconditioning, lifts, paint and carpet, providing a further 10 years of extended service “while planning takes place for a new facility”.

Randwick mayor Philipa Veitch said the proposal presented a unique opportunity to “create a true community hub” and a “high-quality facility” for Randwick Council’s staff.

“Early plans that are being explored include providing below ground public carparking, retail such as a supermarket, cafes, restaurants, community facilities like a library and public plazas as well as opportunities for apartments including affordable housing,” Ms Veitch said.

“Kingsford is a developing area with a bustling economy. This could be a landmark community development further activating and enhancing the strong sense of place and community connection.”

If a decision is made for Randwick Council to move its offices from Frances St, the existing space could be available for potential community use.