EXCLUSIVE: Building the ‘creative economy’ in Bondi

Commercial office towers on top of Syd-Einfeld Drive may be back on the agenda, as part of a major redevelopment of Bondi Junction, sources have told The Bondi View.

The idea, which is part of a broader vision for transforming the economic capacity of the Bondi area, is still in its infancy. It is seen as an inevitable solution to the undersupply of commercial space in Bondi Junction.

A revision to the Local Environment Plan, allowing for the zoning of more office space in Bondi Junction, is nearing completion. It was a directive of the previous state government, designed to accommodate an increase in commercial activity within the “Zone B3 Commercial Core”.

That area, home to Westfield Bondi Junction and the bus/rail interchange, is bounded by Hollywood Ave, Ebley St, Newland St and Grafton St. The plan also allows for higher density and floor-space ratios in surrounding areas.

The Mayor of Waverley, John Wakefield, has indicated structural reform of the junction area will be a major priority during his tenure.

“It’s all about taking Bondi Junction to its next stage, which is to see it become a more significant regional commercial hub,” he said. “At the moment it’s a retail hub.”

Mr Wakefield told The Bondi View Waverley could be a significant part of Sydney’s global economic corridor, and said that could be best achieved through the “creative economy”. He said the area already boasts strong links to the film, television and radio industry, but isn’t harnessing them properly.

“Where do people go now who want to set up embryonic multimedia and arts industries? They might start them at home, quite often in Waverley – but they end up in Surry Hills.”

The reform plan will start with revisions to traffic, transport and  pedestrian flow in the commercial core. Since December, the Mayor and council officers have discussed options with stakeholders including Roads and Maritime Services, Westfield, Sydney Buses and Woollahra Council.

At a recent council meeting, a maximum of $30,000 was allocated to research the possibility of selling air space above Rowe St, Bondi Junction, with the intention of creating bridge access between the bus interchange and Oxford St Mall.

Mr Wakefield introduced an eight-point plan at a council meeting on February 21. It called for the expedited rollout of the National Broadband Network in Waverley, which Liberal councillors unsuccessfully attempted to amend. They also tried to block a motion to investigate the online streaming of council meetings.

The mayoral minute called for measures to “encourage and build understanding of the broad creative economy” and for council to consider rebranding the area to “Waverley: the Creative Community”.

The president of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce, Adam Teharne, said “the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog”.

“The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.”

The push toward broad economic reform in Waverley may face several hurdles. Liberal councillors Sally Betts, Leon Goltsman and Tony Kay opposed the motion at council.

Cr Betts said although she would support many points on the creative economy agenda, she would not support a package which had been imposed without consultation.

“For the mayor to change the direction of council, without any consultation with the other councillors, without any consultation with community, is actually pretty arrogant,” she said.

“None of the Labor councillors could even get a quota in their individual wards. For them to try and impose their vision on the community is disgraceful.”

Greens councillor Mora Main said the mayor had been talking about the plan for “a long time”.

“I think it’s a really good strategic direction for Waverley,” she said. “We need to have some goals, some aspiration, to develop our cultural and intellectual sophistication.”

But Cr. Main warned that new office space should not come at the expense of residents’ needs, particularly if new commercial towers were to block out sunlight. She said it was important for Waverley to develop new cultural and creative entertainment options for residents, not just workers.

Mr Wakefield said he was hopeful, but not overly confident, that future mayors will commit to the projects he is attempting to initiate.

“My vision is fairly rounded based on my own experience and knowledge,” he said.
“Not all councillors have that capacity to deliver the drive, enthusiasm and initiative to see these things forward.”