194 Oxford Street Bondi Junction: Westgate BJ development application approved by NSW Government

A controversial $38 million double tower project planned for Bondi Junction has been approved, raising the ire of Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos and residents.

A contentious 10-storey apartment proposal neighbouring a popular Bondi Junction park has received the green light, much to the disgust of Waverley mayor Paula Masselos.

Despite opposition from residents and council, the $38 million project lodged by Westgate BJ Pty Ltd with Waverley Council in September was approved by the NSW Government’s Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel on Thursday.

The complex, consisting of 73 apartments and four levels of basement parking, was first touted for 194 Oxford St, Bondi Junction seven years ago and has faced fierce opposition by residents.

Community opposition has centred on the building’s 38.95m height – almost 3m above the site’s limit – which threatens to overshadow heritage buildings and block sun from Centennial Park.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos lashed the approval, claiming the maligned project was yet another symbol of state government overreach.

Waverley Councillor Paula Masselos speaks at the Protest Rally against proposed 36m twin towers at West Bondi Junction. Picture: John Appleyard.

“All I can say is it is completely devastating,” Ms Masselos told the Wentworth Courier.

Ms Masselos has led residents’ fight against the proposal, driven by community group Save West Bondi Junction, since the development application was lodged.

The double tower planned for 194 Oxford Street Bondi Junction. Image: Council papers.

The complex will loom over Centennial Park and nearby heritage buildings. Image: Council papers.

Ms Masselos said state government planning powers had destroyed council’s ability to manage responsible development through consultation with the community.

“It is completely inappropriate for the space, and it has trashed our own planning instruments and our vision … for that area, which is in a heritage conservation zone,” she said.

“We want our planning powers back. We want to be recognised as the third tier of government, instead of just being viewed as another department [where] the state government can raid our piggy banks.”

The mayor said cashed-up developers were flooding Bondi Junction with unwanted stock that did not meet prospective resident’s needs.

Lindi Glass says residents have been ignored. Photo: supplied.

Save West Bondi Junction spokeswoman Lindi Glass said the news was “shocking.”

Ms Glass said a total of 105 formal objections were lodged with the planning panel.

“The precedent it provides will be horrendous for all residents in our community and others surrounding Centennial Park,” she said.

“The whole (state government planning— process is farcical. They have no understanding of the community and are empowered to make judgments that lean toward development interests. Sad day for all constituents in NSW, as this demonstrates how absolutely disempowered we are.”