Bondi Junction Set To Become One Of NSW’s Special Entertainment Precinct

Bondi Junction could soon become one of Sydney’s newest late-night destinations, with Waverley Council moving ahead with plans to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) aimed at boosting live music, dining and nightlife in the heart of the eastern suburbs.

The proposal would see Bondi Junction join a growing list of entertainment precincts designed to encourage a more vibrant night-time economy while balancing the needs of nearby residents. If established, the precinct would allow participating venues greater flexibility around trading hours and live performances, supported by precinct-wide noise management rather than placing the burden on individual businesses.

The project has been in the works since December 2025, when Council resolved to begin establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct for Bondi Junction. A working group chaired by Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh has since been formed to oversee the next stage of planning, with the precinct set to undergo a 12-month trial before councillors decide whether to make it a permanent feature of the suburb.

“Restaurants could stay open longer, live music could continue late into the night, residents would enjoy a more active and vibrant community, and local businesses would see a major increase in trade,” Cr Nemesh said.

“This is a huge step towards establishing Bondi Junction as a premier destination with a flourishing nighttime economy.”

Rather than introducing permanent changes immediately, Council will monitor the trial over the course of a year before reviewing its success. The findings will then be reported back to Council, which will decide whether the precinct should continue without a sunset clause.

The proposal forms part of a much broader vision for Bondi Junction’s future. Alongside the Special Entertainment Precinct, Council is also investigating the creation of a Community Improvement District (CID), a model that allows businesses and property owners to work together on projects that improve local streets, public spaces and economic activity with council support. Similar models already operate in parts of the City of Sydney, Inner West and Randwick local government areas.

The entertainment precinct also aligns with Council’s wider Bondi Junction Strategic Vision and Master Plan, an ambitious blueprint that aims to reshape the suburb over coming decades with new housing, expanded public spaces, upgraded community facilities and a stronger cultural and commercial identity. Recent plans adopted by Council include around 3,000 additional homes, new public squares and significant investment in green space and community infrastructure.

Cr Nemesh said the various initiatives were designed to work together to create a more dynamic town centre.

“We are working to unlock Bondi Junction’s full potential,” he said.

“The community has told us they want a reinvigorated and vibrant town centre, and we are working to deliver that.

“All these initiatives would work hand-in-hand to achieve our goal of making Bondi Junction an even more vibrant and exciting place to live, work and visit.”