Edgecliff commercial rezoning gets green light to more than triple height limits to 46m 

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has gazetted an amendment to the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014, allowing the contentious planning proposal at 136-148 New South Head Road, Edgecliff to proceed with increased density, raising the height limit from 14m to 46m, at the key mixed-use site three kilometres from the CBD.

We delivered the planning proposal for Anka Property Group. The landmark residential, commercial and retail development is positioned at the doorway to Sydney’s East.

Our Urban Design Principal Jenna Keyes said the site’s significant location, situated directly across from Edgecliff Station and the bus interchange, will contribute to the NSW Government’s aspiration for Sydney to be a 30-minute city.

“Appropriate development of this site presents an opportunity to maximise the benefits of active and efficient transport for more residents and support the newly released housing targets from the NSW Government,” Keyes said.

The New South Head Road corridor provides essential access to transport and services and has a significant catchment area that includes Darling Point Peninsula, Paddington, Double Bay, and Rushcutters Bay.

Keyes said the rezoning will support future renewal objectives set out in the Greater Sydney Region Plan, including:

− An appropriate location for additional housing
− Growth to provide for the required goods and services of the community
− Grow to deliver other roles for the community, such as recreation, culture, arts and community hubs.

We developed a concept design for the site to align with the client’s and Woollahra Council’s vision of delivering the highest architectural and urban design standards within the rejuvenated urban corridor and revitalised core.

Architecture Principal, Alister Eden said the site, situated at the prominent intersection of New South Head and Darling Point Roads, presented “an opportunity to create a gateway building and new focal point” in the transformation of Edgecliff.

“The design is a direct nod to the retained Art Deco former bank building and adjacent buildings of a similar architectural style,” he said. The concept was conceived to work harmoniously with the existing urban condition while delivering a contemporary response to this changing environment.

“An activated public interface on the ground plane is designed to enhance the pedestrian experience of the centre within what is currently a very vehicle-centric environment. This will improve the social and economic conditions of Edgecliff as a whole, aligning with the future development that is anticipated across adjacent sites.”

In July 2022, Woollahra Council refused the proposal, prompting the developer to call for a rezoning review and the NSW Department of Planning to issue a gateway determination a year later.

The council reversed its decision by supporting the plans in February 2024, following public submissions in which 63% of residents voted in favour of the high-rise development.

In the media

>> Urban.com: New Edgecliff gateway development expected after height limit triples