On Tuesday night, July 22nd, 2026, Waverley Council approved a contentious master plan to redevelop Sydney's Bondi Junction into a "world-class cultural, civic and commercial hub." The plan, pushed through after the mayor used a casting vote, includes the addition of at least 3,000 new dwellings and 9,000 square metres of extra green space.

The first phase will see the Oxford Street Mall revamped with a new 1,500-square-metre public square and a plaza designed to provide seamless access to the train station and bus interchange. Additionally, 10,000 square metres will be dedicated to a new "civic precinct" featuring community infrastructure such as a performance theatre, flexible spaces for classes and workshops, and creative areas for art, music, and youth programs.

However, the plan faced strong opposition from residents and some councillors who argued the decision-making process was rushed and lacked transparency. Independent councillor Steven Lewis stated that councillors had only a few days to review the latest complex version of the plan before voting. Residents expressed concerns about insufficient consultation, with one noting, "We were not given a single minute with the planners until tonight," and highlighting that more detailed briefings had been provided on minor issues like dog fences than on the master plan itself.

Resident Karla Burnett voiced support for increased housing but criticized the plan's shortcomings, particularly the omission of school capacity considerations for the 3,000 new dwellings. She said, "Your urban design study doesn't mention school capacity once..not once..for 3,000 new dwellings," and suggested the plan favored commercial interests over resident needs.

The approval marks a significant step in Bondi Junction's redevelopment, though community concerns about infrastructure and the planning process remain unresolved.

Sources