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Heritage & design

Our heritage buildings and landmarks are important reminders of the past and a source of pride for our community. Many of our treasured buildings, monuments, Aboriginal places, gardens, archaeological sites, streets and conservation areas need to be protected and conserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

If you are an owner of a heritage listed property or need more information on Waverley's heritage, we offer a range of information and services.

We have information on heritage listed properties highlighting what is significant about the item and what should be retained or protected when doing a renovation or extension. Have a look through the NSW Heritage Online Database, Waverley Heritage Policy 2007 and Bondi Junction Heritage Assessment 2004 for further information.

Please note that more detailed heritage inventory sheets are currently being prepared for certain heritage items and conservation areas. If you cannot find a heritage inventory sheet for your property or a conservation area, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 9083 8000.

Waverley Heritage Assessment

Council undertook an assessment of Waverley’s heritage in 2020, which aimed to identify, analyse and assess the cultural heritage of the Waverley LGA, contribute to ongoing research, recommend heritage promotions, and educate and inform residents about heritage protection.

The resultant Waverley Heritage Assessment (Volume 1 and Volume 2)  was placed on public exhibition between July to October 2020 and was adopted by Council at the 8 June 2021 Strategic Planning and Development Committee.

Heritage Planning Proposal

The Waverley Heritage Assessment recommended changes to Schedule 5 of the Waverley Local Environmental Plan 2012 and the associated Heritage Maps. Specifically, recommendations to list new properties as Heritage Items, and to introduce new or amended Heritage Conservation Areas.

Changes to a Local Environmental Plan must follow a Planning Proposal process, which involves submitting the proposal to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for preliminary support (known as a successful Gateway Determination) prior to proceeding to a formal exhibition and then determination process.

The Planning Proposal seeking to implement the findings of the Waverley Heritage Assessment was submitted to DPE in May 2022, however, the application was returned to Council as DPE requested further information including the preparation of individual inventory sheets for each proposed new Heritage Item. Council is currently preparing the additional information requested and intend to resubmit the Heritage Planning Proposal to DPE in mid-late 2023. When accepted by DPE, the Heritage Planning Proposal will be available to formally track on the NSW State Government’s Planning Proposal tracker.

Frequently asked questions

You can find answers to some frequently asked questions below.

Is my property heritage listed?

All heritage items and heritage conservation areas are listed in our Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

What does heritage listing mean for me?

If you are unsure about the impacts of heritage listing, you may find some answers in 'Heritage Listing Explained - What it means for you' published by the Heritage Council of NSW.

What if I only want to do minor work to my property?

You may request a Heritage Exemption Certificate for certain work.

Thinking of renovating your property?

If you're considering alterations at your heritage property, have a look at the information at Planning a Development. A number of publications, guides and fact sheets are also provided by the NSW Heritage Division.

Are heritage grants & funding available?

The Office of Environment & Heritage has some funding available via their Heritage Grants. These are available to owners of state registered heritage properties.

How is Council promoting our heritage?

We award outstanding heritage conservation and design through the Waverley Heritage and Design Awards. Council also has a number of studies and information about heritage places on our website.

What other information is available?