31 Hall St, Bondi: State government approves mixed commercial residential development

A five-storey complex near Bondi Beach featuring apartments with hospitality space on the ground floor has been given the green light by the NSW government after council rejected the proposal this year. See the stunning pics.

Artist impression of the ground floor commercial premises planned for a newly-approved development at 31 Hall St. Image: MHNDU

An expansive multi-block, multi-story development featuring a bustling commercial arcade topped with apartments on Hall St, near Bondi Beach, is one step closer to construction – despite Waverley Council originally knocking back the plans.

The NSW government upheld an appeal by Sydney architecture firm MHN Design Union (MHN) to expand its footprint into 31 Hall St at Bondi Beach earlier this week.

The planned complex would comprise eight single-bedroom apartments with space for hospitality and commercial operations on the ground floor.

Concerns around contaminated land, dangers around excavating and a heritage-listed building located at the street level at 31 Hall St were considered before the government pushed the development through.

The green light means a shopping laneway will be formed through the recently-approved development application and a separate complementary application by MHN for the two blocks next door at 35-37 Hall St.

A new arcade at 31 Hall St will feature ground-floor retail and commercial spaces. Image: MHN

The proposed building will feature two ground-floor retail spaces with three storeys of single bedroom apartments above.

The plans for 35-37 Hall St have undergone several rounds of amendments with Waverley Council, and are awaiting a final decision.

In plans submitted for 31 Hall St, MHN states the development would maintain the character of the local area through the creation of a new public arcade, which will “function as an extension of the public domain along Hall Street, and the iconic Campbell Parade beachside strip”.

Artists impressions of the complex at 31-37 Hall St. Image: MHN

The arcade, lined with new commercial spaces for retail or food and beverage tenancies would “enliven the arcade and bring the public domain into the site”, according to the architects.

According to the plans, green courtyards would break up the length of the new arcade, aiming to create a sense of tranquillity with light and greenery.

MHN also said the heritage site — a 1930s Art Deco Egyptian commercial building — would remain untouched throughout construction.

Design plans for the new complex. Image: MHN

The fresh development follows a slate of new projects proposed on or nearby Hall St in the past year as development continues to reshape the Bondi Beach hub – including a multistorey luxury development at 34-36 Hall St, funded by Bondi Beach Ventures.

An artist impression of the proposed development for 26-32 Hall St Bondi. The proposal is for a four storey shop top housing block. Image: Waverley Council

Plans submitted by the developer proposed the amalgamation of three blocks on Hall St to build a 892 sqm four-storey building with basement parking, shops and apartments with expansive front-facing balconies and ground floor courtyards.

Waverley Council has not yet published a decision on the project.

Hall St, Bondi Beach. Photo: NSW Real Estate

Changes have also come from council, which said in July it would conduct a six-month trial to pedestrianise Hall St by making the busy thoroughfare one-way.

A Waverley Council spokesman said at the time the trial would “transform Hall St into a pedestrian-friendly space” and solve the “complex and congested traffic” issues on the street.

However the plans faced backlash during community consultation and council paused the project, with plans to revisit a pedestrianised Hall St at a later date.