Bondi Junction’s shopping strips and transport interchange may soon give way to a denser, more active town centre designed for apartment living, late-night dining and around-the-clock foot traffic.
Waverley Council is preparing to place its Bondi Junction master plan on public exhibition after months of planning work tied to Sydney’s housing shortage and the NSW Government’s push for more homes near train stations. The proposal outlines space for about 3,000 additional dwellings across Bondi Junction, alongside new public squares, wider pedestrian links and expanded retail and hospitality areas around Oxford Street Mall.
According to Waverley Council’s planning documents, the suburb’s role as a transport hub has long shaped the area, with commuters and visitors moving through the interchange daily on their way to Bondi Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The council’s latest vision instead centres on keeping people in the precinct longer by adding more homes, community facilities and entertainment spaces close to public transport.
Taller Buildings Planned Around Bondi Junction Station
The draft plan divides Bondi Junction into several redevelopment zones, with the tallest buildings expected near the train and bus interchange and along sections of Oxford Street. Mid-rise apartment buildings are also proposed along Bondi Road and Bronte Road, while shop-top housing would expand across existing commercial strips.
A separate NSW Planning proposal for large build-to-rent towers on Oxford Street already signals the scale of projects being considered in the area. That development includes more than 1,000 apartments across towers rising above 40 storeys.
Council says concentrating housing near major transport links could reduce car reliance while supporting local businesses.
Oxford Street Mall Set for Extended Dining and Night Activity
Part of the proposal focuses on reshaping Oxford Street Mall into a busier public space with longer trading hours, outdoor dining and more live entertainment. Council wants Bondi Junction to function as more than a daytime shopping centre by encouraging activity later into the evening.
A separate Waverley Council statement outlined plans for expanded dining, cultural events and live music as part of a broader effort to support local businesses and increase foot traffic after business hours.
The master plan also includes targets for additional tree canopy, upgraded public spaces and more community facilities spread across the precinct.
Housing Pressure Continues Across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Bondi Junction’s redevelopment push comes as the NSW Government expands its transport-oriented housing strategy across Sydney. Under the state’s Transport Oriented Development Program, higher-density housing is being encouraged within walking distance of train stations and major public transport corridors.
Neighbouring suburbs including Woollahra and Edgecliff are also facing major planning changes linked to increased housing targets. Some residents and community groups have raised concerns about traffic congestion, overshadowing and pressure on local infrastructure as density increases.
At the same time, housing advocates argue suburbs with established transport systems and commercial centres are among the few areas capable of supporting large numbers of new homes close to jobs and services. Sydney YIMBY described Bondi Junction as one of Sydney’s strongest locations for transit-focused housing growth because of its rail connections and existing retail core.
Affordable Housing Remains a Key Question
Waverley Council says 10 per cent of future homes delivered under the plan would be allocated as affordable housing, though further details around developer contributions and delivery methods are still expected during later planning stages.
The documents also point to future investment in public spaces, upgraded streets and community infrastructure tied to redevelopment contributions from developers.
The proposal has prompted discussion among residents about how Bondi Junction could manage future growth while maintaining local amenity and accessibility.
Published 20-May-2026
