Plans have been submitted for a five-storey residential development at 46-50 Lamrock Avenue, Bondi Beach. The proposal, lodged on 6 March 2025, seeks approval to demolish existing structures and construct a new residential building with basement parking and landscaping. The estimated cost of development exceeds $22 million.
Proposal Overview
The development will include two two-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom apartments, and one four-bedroom apartment. Two of these will be designated as affordable housing under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP).
The floor space ratio (FSR) is 1.17:1, which aligns with the Housing SEPP bonus provisions. The building height will reach 15.75 metres to the parapet and 16.45 metres at the lift overrun.
The plan also incorporates 494.41m² of landscaped area, with 179.25m² allocated to deep soil planting. Each apartment will have private open space, including balconies or garden terraces.
The basement parking level will feature 15 car spaces, including two visitor spaces, along with five motorcycle spaces and ten bicycle spaces.
Site Location and Existing Conditions
The site is 270 metres from Bondi Beach, positioned on the southern side of Lamrock Avenue, between Hall Street and Sir Thomas Mitchell Road. It currently consists of three lots, including a three-storey residential flat building at No. 46, which contains six units, and two two-storey semi-detached dwellings at Nos. 48 and 50. These buildings will be demolished to make way for the new development.
The site is located within an R3 Medium Density Residential zone. This area features a mix of apartment buildings and detached dwellings, reflecting the changing urban landscape of Bondi Beach.
A Redevelopment Focused on Larger, High-End Apartments
The development replaces eight existing dwellings with nine, resulting in a small net gain in housing. Many urban redevelopments aim to increase the number of apartments by replacing older buildings with higher-density residential projects. However, this proposal takes a different approach. Instead of maximizing dwelling numbers, it prioritizes larger, high-end residences.
Due to its location and apartment sizes, the development is likely to attract owner-occupiers or high-income renters. While it includes two affordable housing units, the focus remains on spacious layouts and premium finishes.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
The proposal raises questions about the sustainability of demolition and reconstruction. Tearing down buildings generates construction waste, increases energy use, and adds to the carbon footprint of new materials. However, the new apartments will integrate modern sustainability features, including solar panels, water-efficient fixtures, and improved insulation.
These features align with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022. The project reflects the ongoing trade-offs in urban development, balancing housing supply, environmental impact, and market demand.
Planning Considerations
This proposal will be assessed under key planning controls, including the Waverley Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012, Housing SEPP 2021, and Waverley Development Control Plan (DCP) 2022.
Under the Housing SEPP, developments that allocate at least 10% of their total gross floor area to affordable housing qualify for a 30% bonus in both floor space ratio and height. This proposal meets that threshold, dedicating 15.7% of its floor space to affordable housing.
Reports submitted with the application evaluate solar access, overshadowing, traffic impact, waste management, stormwater management, and site geotechnical conditions.
Project Team
- Developer: Central Element
- Urban Planner: GSA Planning
- Architect: MHN Design Union (MHNDU)
- Traffic Consultant: McLaren Traffic
- Landscape Architect: Dangar Barin Smith
- Waste Consultant: Elephants Foot
- Geotechnical Consultant: JK Environments
Public Exhibition and Next Steps
Waverley Council is currently reviewing the application. The public exhibition period allows the community to view the proposal and submit feedback.
For full details, search application number DA-29/2025 on the Waverley Council website.
