Public Input Sought on $75m+ Maroubra Affordable Housing

Public Input Sought on $75m+ Maroubra Affordable Housing

November 29, 2025

Street-level render showing the proposed nine-storey mixed-use development at 138 Maroubra Road, viewed from the intersection with Anzac Parade.

One of the last undeveloped sites in Maroubra Junction is now the subject of a revised $75-million proposal that reflects shifting planning priorities in New South Wales.

Submitted as a State Significant Development, the mixed-use scheme at 138 Maroubra Road is now on public exhibition. The new application follows a previously refused development and takes advantage of new height incentives for affordable housing under the Housing SEPP.

Planning history and context

The earlier proposal (DA/80/2023) was rejected by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel in June 2024 and later dismissed on appeal by the Land and Environment Court. Key concerns included non-compliance with height limits, lack of design excellence, and conflicts with local planning controls.

However, updated planning policy has opened the door for a new scheme. The Housing SEPP now allows a 30% height bonus for projects that dedicate at least 15% of their gross floor area to affordable housing. This provision did not apply to the original application due to transitional rules.

The revised development uses the bonus to reach nine storeys and now complies with height controls without needing a variation under Clause 4.6 of the Randwick LEP.

Project overview

The proposal includes 64 apartments, of which 13 will be in-fill affordable housing. The apartments are split across 27 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, and 23 three-bedroom units. Affordable dwellings will be managed by a community housing provider for at least 15 years.

A 263sqm retail tenancy will front Maroubra Road, intended to activate the street and support the area’s mixed-use zoning. Vehicle access is provided from Piccadilly Place, with egress to Maroubra Road.

Parking includes 70 car spaces, 74 bicycle spots, and 4 motorcycle bays. Communal open space is provided on level 2 and the rooftop, totalling 821sqm — more than half the site area. Due to existing conditions, no deep soil planting is possible, but 392sqm of landscaping is planned on structure.

Strategic location

The 1,518sqm site is within the Eastgardens–Maroubra Junction strategic centre and zoned E2 Commercial Centre. It currently contains a vacant two-storey commercial building under fire order. Its location — surrounded by medium- to high-density development, services, and public transport — aligns closely with state and local housing targets.

Under the National Housing Accord, NSW must deliver 377,000 new dwellings by 2029. Randwick Council’s share is 4,000 new homes. This proposal would contribute 64 new dwellings, including affordable housing, within that timeframe.

Design and planning response

The design by DJRD arranges the building to the site’s boundaries with upper-level setbacks to reduce perceived bulk. The architectural response has been reviewed against the original refusal and now seeks to demonstrate compliance with all relevant design controls, including the Apartment Design Guide.

Urban design advice from Smith & Tzannes confirms the proposal aligns with the desired future character of the area. The design avoids isolating the adjacent police station site and ensures that land can be feasibly redeveloped in future.

Communal spaces have been designed to maximise sunlight and privacy, while the building’s orientation and façade treatments respond to neighbouring development and internal amenity requirements.

Render of the proposed development at 138 Maroubra Road, showing the northern façade and retail frontage facing Maroubra Road.

Environmental, traffic and amenity impacts

An Environmental Impact Statement outlines key impacts and mitigation measures. These include:

Separate access and egress points to reduce traffic conflict.
Noise managed via construction plans and acoustic treatments.
Privacy enhanced through louvres and planter screening.
Solar access maintained within design guidelines.
Visual impact minimised through built form articulation.

A deed of agreement has been signed with NSW Police to manage construction impacts on the adjacent station, including temporary parking and site access protocols.

Detailed site investigations confirm the land can be made suitable for residential use. Standard protocols will apply for unexpected heritage finds.

Community engagement

Community feedback was gathered via surveys, flyers, a website, and online submissions. Key concerns included height, overshadowing, traffic, and adequacy of affordable housing.

According to the EIS, the revised proposal addresses these concerns by adopting updated planning controls, modifying the design, and increasing compliance.

Assessment pathway

As a State Significant Development, the proposal is being assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The public exhibition period allows for submissions from residents and stakeholders.

Following review, the Department will prepare a recommendation for determination by the Minister or their delegate.