A $132 million mixed-use development has been proposed for 136-148 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, with Lendlease (One Darling Point) Pty Ltd lodging two State Significant Development (SSD) applications with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). The proposal, which includes market and affordable housing, commercial and retail space, is currently on public exhibition until 27 February 2025.
Overview of the Proposed Development
The development aims to redevelop the site with a 17-storey mixed-use building, incorporating:
- 62 residential apartments, including 20 infill affordable housing units.
- Retail and commercial premises across the lower levels.
- Restoration of the heritage-listed building at 136 New South Head Road.
- Public domain improvements, including a new through-site pedestrian link connecting New South Head Road and Darling Point Road.
The project takes advantage of height and floor space bonuses under the Housing SEPP, which allow for a 30% increase in height and floor space ratio (FSR) when affordable housing is provided.
Artist impression by Tzannes
Two SSD Applications on Exhibition
Two separate SSD applications have been lodged and are being assessed concurrently:
1. Concept SSD (SSD-76855210)
This application establishes the planning framework for the site’s redevelopment. It seeks approval for:
- The maximum building envelope, including the 59.8m building height.
- The land use mix, including residential, retail, and commercial spaces.
- Planning justifications for the affordable housing provisions and SEPP bonuses.
No physical works are proposed under this application—it is only a strategic approval to guide detailed development.
2. Detailed SSD (SSD-77608714)
This application seeks approval for the actual construction and development, including:
- Demolition of existing buildings (excluding the retained heritage structure).
- Construction of the 17-storey tower with detailed architectural, landscaping, and infrastructure plans.
- Parking, vehicular access, waste management, and sustainability initiatives.
- Public domain works, including landscaping and pedestrian links.
While both applications are being assessed concurrently, the Detailed SSD cannot be approved unless the Concept SSD is endorsed first.
Key Planning and Environmental Considerations
Built Form and Urban Design
- The podium and tower design aligns with the Edgecliff Commercial Centre Strategy.
- Height and setbacks have been designed to minimise overshadowing and preserve key view corridors.
- The State Design Review Panel (SDRP) has provided feedback to ensure a high-quality architectural outcome.
Traffic and Transport
- The site is 50m from Edgecliff Railway Station, providing high connectivity.
- A traffic study found the local road network can support the development without significant congestion impacts.
- 74 parking spaces will be provided in the building’s podium, along with loading and service areas.
- The development encourages public transport use, supported by a Green Travel Plan.
Heritage Considerations
- The heritage-listed building at 136 New South Head Road will be retained and restored.
- The Heritage Impact Statement outlines measures to preserve historical significance while integrating it into the new development.
Affordable Housing Contribution
- 20 dwellings (1,702m² of floor space) will be dedicated to affordable housing for a minimum period of 15 years.
- The affordable housing component aligns with NSW Government policies aimed at addressing housing supply and affordability.
Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
- The proposal incorporates Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles, including:
- High-performance building materials to reduce energy consumption.
- Water-efficient fixtures and stormwater management strategies.
- Natural ventilation and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.
- A Waste Management Plan ensures responsible construction and operational waste handling.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The proposal has undergone pre-lodgement consultation with:
- Woollahra Council
- State Design Review Panel (SDRP)
- Local community and business groups
- Heritage and Aboriginal cultural stakeholders
Feedback from these groups has shaped the final design, leading to refinements in:
- Building form and articulation to improve visual impact.
- Solar access and overshadowing mitigation measures.
- Public domain integration and pedestrian connectivity.
Public Exhibition – Have Your Say
The development is on public exhibition until 27 February 2025, allowing community members to provide feedback.
To review the proposal or make a submission, search application numbers SSD-76855210 and SSD-77608714 on the NSW Planning Portal.
Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback before the final determination is made.
What Happens Next?
After the exhibition period:
- The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will assess public submissions and agency feedback.
- The Concept SSD (SSD-76855210) must be determined first before the Detailed SSD (SSD-77608714) can be approved.
- If both SSDs are approved, the development can proceed to the construction phase.
Project Team
The development is being led by Lendlease (One Darling Point) Pty Ltd, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of consultants:
- Developer: Lendlease (One Darling Point) Pty Ltd
- Urban Planner (Statement of Environmental Effects): Ethos Urban
- Architect: Tzannes
- Landscape Architect: Oculus
- Traffic and Transport Consultant: Traffix
- Heritage Consultant: Urbis
- Geotechnical & Environmental Consultant: Tetra Tech Coffey
- Ecologically Sustainable Development Consultant: JHA Consulting Engineers
- Social Impact Assessment: Ethos Urban
- Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultant: Palimpsest
Conclusion
This $132 million mixed-use development represents a significant transformation for Edgecliff, introducing new housing, retail, and commercial opportunities while preserving heritage elements and improving the public domain.
The public exhibition period provides an opportunity for community members, local stakeholders, and planning authorities to review the proposal and provide feedback before a final determination is made.
For more information, search application numbers SSD-76855210 and SSD-77608714 on the NSW Planning Portal.
