Randwick City Council is proposing changes to the planning controls for Randwick Junction Town Centre.

The updates will guide how the centre grows over the next 15 to 20 years – supporting more homes, jobs and local business, and creating a more vibrant, liveable and sustainable town centre.

Why is change needed?

Randwick Junction is a major centre for retail, health and education. With the nearby hospital and university precincts expanding and the Light Rail improving access, the area is set for more residents, workers, and visitors.

The proposal ensures this growth is managed sustainably, so the benefits are shared across the community.

More homes:

• The proposal will allow around 800 new homes, including 62 affordable rental homes for key workers
• This will help keep Randwick diverse and inclusive, so people live close to where they work, study and socialise

Boosting local jobs and businesses:

• By rezoning some areas and expanding the commercial centre, the proposal creates room for new businesses, health and medical services, and start-ups
• It is expected to deliver around 750 new full-time jobs and more than 29,000 square metres of additional commercial space – which is the equivalent of around seven large supermarkets
• There will be no change to height limits on state heritage sites and highly valued heritage buildings within the town centre

Better public spaces:

• New pedestrian connections between blocks connecting to the light rail and across streets
• Wider footpaths, safer laneways, more trees, landscaping, seating and public art
• New buildings will be set back to create well-scaled streets and improve pedestrian movement
• Ground floors will include active uses like shops, cafes and services to create lively, welcoming streets

Sustainable and high-quality design:

• New developments must meet high environmental and design standards, including the delivery of energy-efficient buildings, green roofs and landscaping
• Updated controls will ensure buildings fit the town centre’s scale and enhance the streetscape

Protecting local heritage:

• More than 30 heritage-listed and 40 contributory buildings will be protected and enhanced
• New development will respect local character, restore historic buildings and reinstating heritage fabric
• Most heritage sites will keep their three-storey height limit, preserving Randwick’s distinctive streetscape

Taller buildings at key sites:

To support growth while protecting Randwick’s character, taller buildings will be focused on four key redevelopment sites that are less constrained and can accommodate change.

These sites could allow buildings up to 13 storeys, while most of the town centre will remain mid-rise, at around 5–6 storeys. Concentrating height in these strategic locations will help deliver more homes and jobs while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly main street:

1. The Randwick Club, Alison Road *

• Proposed permissible height - 11 floors
• Current permissible height - 3 floors

2. Former Commonwealth Bank site, 16–24 Belmore Road *

• Proposed permissible height - 12 floors
• Current permissible height - 3 floors

3. Randwick Plaza Shopping Centre (including Coles) and High Street properties

• Proposed permissible height - 12 floors
• Current permissible height - 3 floors

4. Royal Randwick Shopping Centre *

• Proposed permissible height - 13 floors
• Current permissible height - 3 floors

*This site has been declared State Significant Development (SSD) by the Minister for Planning under the State Government’s housing reforms. Under the State pathway Council will be consulted and invited to make a submission on the proposal, once submitted. Council is seeking to retain a role in assessing these proposals given the extensive research and background work that has been done in planning Randwick Junction. We believe local planning decisions are best made by local government to ensure the best outcomes for residents, property owners and businesses, to deliver a thriving and connected town centre. Further details on these state significant sites can be found on the Housing Delivery Authority website.

Detailed block by block controls

A draft Development Control Plan has been prepared for the town centre to guide the design of future buildings. The draft controls are on public exhibition alongside the draft Planning Proposal and include:

• Height transitions, building bulk, depth and overall form to ensure a balanced streetscape
• A three-storey street wall and with upper level setbacks
• High-quality building materials and finishes to enhance the look and feel of the Centre
• Encouraging upgrades or replacement of run-down, visually detracting buildings
• Improved building performance to support environmental goals
• Safeguarding heritage buildings and their character
• Building setbacks to widen footpaths
• Parking requirements for future development
• Functional awning design for weather protection and street appeal

How can you get involved?

Find out if your property is affected

• Click here to use our interactive map

Read the Planning Proposal and draft DCP, and the revised Urban Design Report and Affordable Housing Plan

• Randwick Junction Town Centre Planning Proposal
• Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) Randwick Junction
• Urban Design Report
• Affordable Housing Plan

Talk to a planner

• Drop in for a chat at the Margaret Martin Library, Level 1, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre
  • Tuesday 3 Feb, 1 - 4 pm
  • Wednesday 4 Feb, 10 am - 1 pm
  • Thursday 12 Feb, 4 - 7 pm
  • Friday 13 Feb, 10 am - 1 pm
  • Saturday 14 Feb, 10 am - 1 pm
• Click here to book a one-on-one session at a time that suits you