Bondi Junction’s Oxford Street Mall To Extend Business Hours To 3AM

Sydneysiders could look forward to exciting changes as Bondi Junction’s Oxford Street mall is set to become a lively late-night destination with a new 3 AM trading rule. 

Earlier this month, Waverley Council voted to extend business opening hours until 3 am. This move aims to breathe new life into the area by transforming it into a vibrant late-night hub. Extending business hours is expected to enhance nighttime safety by increasing foot traffic and ensuring a more active and monitored presence on the streets.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos shared that the Council had listened to the community’s desire for a safer, more vibrant nighttime economy in Oxford Street Mall.

“What we’re aiming for is an attractive, buzzing space where locals will love to have dinner, and that makes Bondi Junction a destination for an enjoyable evening out,” Masselos said.

World-Famous Tourist Destination

Earlier this year, the council proposed extending trading hours to update and improve outdated planning regulations.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos said the Eastern suburbs was a “world-famous tourism destination and our CBD should reflect that”.

“It should not be a ghost town once people leave the office for the day,” she said in March. 

“If trading hours end up being extended, we have the potential here to make Bondi Junction Mall a destination where people can enjoy a late-night meal with friends or listen to live music at a speakeasy,” she added. 

Bondi Junction To Embrace 3 AM Trading Hours 7 Days a Week

The bid to turn Oxford Street Mall into a night-time hotspot will see businesses in Bondi Junction allowed to trade until 3 am, seven days a week. 

Previous night-time trading rules were based on temporary legal adjustments, with hours set from 7 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday, and 7 am to 10 pm on Sundays. 

The new amendment establishes general trading hours from 6 am to 3 am daily.

“As a community, we’re also looking for ways to feel safer in our public spaces. We know from Transport for NSW’s (TfNSW) Safer Cities Survey Report that people feel safer in activated public spaces, that are well-lit and with lots of people around,” Mayor Masselos said. 

According to Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities Survey Report, 51% of participants said they would be more likely to go out at night alone if they felt safer.

Waverley Ward Greens Councillor Ludovico Fabiano on new trading hours

City Hub spoke with Waverley Ward Greens councillor Ludovico Fabiano about the change to Waverley’s night-life scene.

“From the Greens perspective it’s based on our “Revitalising Our Night-Life, Time to love our Night-Time Economy Again” policy while taking into account the needs of our nearby residents. There’s been a steady decline in activity in Bondi Junction over the last decade, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, but persisting beyond”

“The Bondi Junction mall is well served with transport and is not immediately adjacent to people’s homes. It has had a history of nightlife which brings employment, music and other cultural activities to Waverley,” Fabiano said.

When asked how the decision to extend the hours was influenced by feedback from local businesses and residents, Greens Councillor Fabiano responded:

“Oxford Street Mall has been in need of a revamp for quite some time, hence the coming together of the local community and businesses. The engagement with the community is what will make it a success. The proposal was put on public exhibition in May/June of 2024 and there were 25 submissions: 14 in support, six opposing, and five with mixed views or unclear positions. The concerns raised were to do with noise, alcohol and anti-social behaviour and a general concern that there was no need for more activity.”

Fabiano anticipates that the extended trading hours will benefit both the businesses and community in Waverley by stimulating the Night-Time Economy. It will also “create a sociable, safe and clean environment for residents and visitors alike to meet, dine, and enjoy music/dance or visit art exhibits”, while providing local employment.

Noise Control Measures Outlined

Mayor Masselos acknowledged that businesses have expressed a need for more clarity to effectively create venues and services tailored to the nighttime economy. 

She emphasised that this shift will occur gradually as businesses work to establish the “right mix of offerings for the community.”

Waverley Council has outlined noise control measures in the Development Control Plans (DCP), including soundproofing requirements for residential properties. The resolution also suggests that the Council explore noise attenuation strategies for residential developments within and near the Oxford Street Mall area in future DCP amendments.

Additionally, the council will review liquor licenses, outdoor dining permits, anti-social behavior, and sound control measures.

Late-night businesses must create a Plan of Management to tackle noise and anti-social behaviour, ensuring their venues are designed to minimise noise pollution.