Waverley Council starts work on Bondi Junction vision, masterplan

A “bold and aspirational statement” is in the works as part of plans to transform an eastern suburbs commercial hub, where businesses are struggling to survive.

The first steps have been taken towards developing a “transformative vision” for Bondi Junction, following what a key local business figure describes as years of “significant decline”.

Waverley Council has released a project plan for the rejuvenation of the eastern suburbs commercial hub, ahead of the development of a “bold and aspirational statement” that will aim to create a “vibrant and experiential precinct and hub” in an stretching from Centennial Park to Waverley Park.

Mayor Will Nemesh said the plan posed an “unprecedented opportunity” to “reimagine Bondi Junction as a dynamic and inclusive precinct”.

Cr Nemesh indicated there would be a “particular focus on key worker housing”, while the plan would also “prioritise liveability and sustainability”.

The plan for a plan reveals $600,000 has been allocated towards putting together the blueprint for Bondi Junction’s future, which will be discussed this week at a mayoral roundtable set to include business owners and other key stakeholders.

Bondi Junction has been in “significant decline”, according to one business leader. Picture: John Appleyard

Speaking on behalf of the Sydney Roosters and East Group at a recent council meeting, their community and government relations manager, Anthony Brooks, said the rejuvenation of Bondi Junction was “long overdue”, with the most recent development strategy for the area having been released 20 years ago.

“The current strategy goes back to 2004,” he said.

Bondi Junction from above.

“Since then, we have seen a significant decline in liveability and amenity.

“Bondi Junction is a key meeting place for the local community, but it needs to evolve and become a vibrant hub.

“It should be a destination that drives strong economic activity.”

Bondi Chamber of Commerce president Emmanuel Constantinou said the chamber was in “strong support of the transformative vision”, noting the current infrastructure “does not fully create an environment accessible and enjoyable to pedestrians”.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh. Picture: Supplied

The push for change follows business planning group Brainiact compiling Australian Bureau of Statistics data that reveals Bondi Junction has the second lowest rate of business survival in the nation.

The only place with a worse survival rate than its 65.6 per cent was the Queensland town of Goodna, with 63.7 per cent.

The initial project plan provides the suggested timeframe, budget and funding required for the eventual masterplan, which is to outline the ambitious precinct transformation in full.

According to the first plan released this week, the masterplan will “propose short-, medium- and long-term actions that address that provide clear guidance and controls for the development”.

The first stage will seek tenders from at least three potential contractors, with contracts to be finalised and executed by the end of April.

On the projected timeline, a year-long community and stakeholder engagement will finish up in May 2026 and will include assessments of transport and social needs.

The masterplan also aims to conduct an analysis of market trends, a review of existing planning controls and an infrastructure funding strategy.