The Future of Bondi Junction: What It Means for Downsizers

Updated October 2026

For many Eastern Suburbs families, the conversation eventually turns to what comes after the family home. Often the answer is a light-filled apartment with a lift, secure parking and everything you need within a short walk. Bondi Junction already ticks those boxes, and Waverley Council has now set out a long-term vision for where the centre goes next. Here’s what’s planned, where it’s up to and what it could mean for your next move.

What’s planned for Bondi Junction

On 21 July 2026, Waverley Council adopted the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan, the first comprehensive blueprint for the centre in more than 20 years. It covers the centre “from park to park”: from Centennial Park in the west to Waverley Park in the east, between Syd Einfeld Drive and Birrell Street.

The highlights include:

• A revitalised Oxford Street Mall. This is the first of two “catalyst projects”, with a new 1,500 square metre public square and plaza, new dining, upgraded paving and seating, and stronger links to the station and bus interchange.
• A new Civic Precinct. The second catalyst project includes ideas such as a new library, a flexible theatre and community spaces.
• More green space. The plan provides for more than 9,000 square metres of new publicly accessible open space, including expanded green space at Clementson Park and new pocket parks. It also sets a 35% tree canopy target by 2032 and proposes walking and cycling links connecting Centennial Park to Waverley Park.
• Well-planned growth. Five precincts could deliver approximately 3,000 new homes, with taller buildings in the core stepping down to mid-rise apartments, terraces and townhouses at the edges. Heritage conservation areas are retained.

Where it’s up to

• July 2025 to November 2025: Community engagement shaped a draft Vision Statement and Place Strategy, which was exhibited in October and November 2025.
• May to June 2026: The draft Master Plan was on public exhibition.
• 21 July 2026: Council adopted the Master Plan.
• September 2026: Council is taking time to consult further with residents, businesses and community groups to refine the plan.
• Next steps: The plan’s directions will be translated into amendments to the Waverley Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the Waverley Development Control Plan 2022. These will go through detailed studies, NSW Government review and public exhibition.

According to Council’s FAQs, the Master Plan doesn’t approve any development on its own, and Council expects implementation to take 20 or more years.

Life in Bondi Junction, today and tomorrow

Transport. Bondi Junction is the end of the Eastern Suburbs line, with direct trains to Martin Place, Town Hall and Central, plus a major bus interchange. The Master Plan proposes moving the station’s primary entrance to Rowe Street, giving you a direct, easy link into Oxford Street Mall.

Retail and dining. Scentre Group says construction is underway on a $240 million redevelopment of Level 6 at Westfield Bondi, creating a lifestyle, entertainment and dining destination. Council has also established a Special Entertainment Precinct in the commercial core to support music, dining and leisure.

Parks and beaches. Centennial Park sits on the western edge of the centre. Bondi and Bronte beaches are a short bus ride or drive away.

Why Bondi Junction suits downsizers

Right-sizing is about gaining freedom. Bondi Junction offers:

• Easy living. Apartment buildings with lift access and secure entry make day-to-day life simpler, and you can lock up and leave whenever you travel.
• Low maintenance. No lawns or gutters, so there’s more time for family, friends and travel.
• Walkability. Shops, cafés, restaurants, the library and the station are all close at hand.
• Health and professional services. The Master Plan describes Bondi Junction as anchored in retail, health and professional services, so appointments are close to home.

For more ideas on making the move, read our guide to Downsizing in the Eastern Suburbs: Living Well.

What to look for in a premium apartment

• Lifts and step-free access, from the street and the car park right through to your front door.
• Single-level living with generous bedrooms, an ensuite and room to entertain.
• Light and outlook. Ask about the planning controls on neighbouring sites so you understand how the outlook may evolve.
• A well-run building. Review the strata reports, capital works fund and by-laws, and ask how the building is managed.
• Secure parking and storage, ideally with EV charging available or planned.
• Outdoor living, such as a generous terrace or a balcony with afternoon sun.
• The right position. Living near the mall and station suits some people, while others prefer a quieter residential street a few minutes’ walk away.

Planning your next move

Thinking of right-sizing from the family home? We’d love to help you plan your next move. Get in touch with Peter or Jacinta for a friendly, no-pressure chat. You can also browse our historical sales to see what we’ve achieved across the East.

Information is current at 17 October 2026 and is general in nature. Council’s plans may be refined as consultation continues.