Future of Waverley’s old Council Chambers takes shape
08 October 2025 | Council News
Waverley locals are invited to have their say on the future of the old and disused Council Chambers site, with four high-level concepts now on public display.
Councillors and staff vacated the 100-year-old building in late 2024 after worsening structural issues, water ingress and an unusable air-conditioning system made its continued use impossible.
“The Chambers served the community well, but unfortunately, it is no longer functional and doesn’t meet modern safety and accessible standards or codes,” Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said.
“We now have a unique opportunity to reimagine this prime site, including considering the needs and wants of the community.”
Concepts include a total transformation into a brand-new sporting, recreation and community hub for all to enjoy, or a refurbishment to continue its use as a public building.
The four concepts on exhibition are:
Option 1: Full multipurpose court on ground floor, flexible community rooms and cafe. Gross floor area 2300sqm, building height 13.8m. Estimated building cost – $18.4 million to $23 million*
Option 2: Full multipurpose court, flexible community rooms and cafe, with an additional storey. Gross floor area 3000sqm, building height 17.8m. Estimated building cost – $24 million to $30 million*
Option 3: Full multipurpose court on top floor, flexible community rooms and cafe. Gross floor area 2900sqm, building height 16m. Estimated building cost – $23.2 million $29 million*
Option 4: Services upgrade and soft fit out of existing building to be Council Chambers, office and civic function rooms. Gross floor area 3000sqm, building height 17.5m. Estimated building cost – $16 million to $19.8 million*
* Estimated building costs exclude cost for demolition, landscaping, professional/authority fees and contingency
“The vision for a new recreational and community building on the site could further enhance Waverley Park’s position as a major outdoors precinct and meet community demand for more indoor sports facilities,” Cr Nemesh said.
“It could also provide additional spaces for a range of community uses, which is another priority communicated to Council by the community.”
At its September meeting, Council resolved to formally recognise the Boot Factory in Bondi Junction as its current Chambers.
Built in 1892, the heritage-listed building – one of the last-surviving examples of Victorian industrial architecture – had fallen into disrepair by 2007 and faced demolition before being given a new lease on life via a thoughtful restoration.
“This is a magnificent building with a proud history that has been beautifully brought back to life,” Cr Nemesh said.
“Since completion, as well as providing a fitting space for our Chambers, the Boot Factory and neighbouring Mill Hill have become an integral hub for locals, with an array of public spaces including an ongoing pop-up library, a community centre, a leafy courtyard and a cafe.
“September’s meeting of Council noted this as our new home, which coincides perfectly with the beginning of an exciting process to determine the future of the old Chambers site.”
Consultation runs for 42 days from 7 October to 17 November, with a number of activities planned to hear the views of locals, stakeholders and precinct committees.
Feedback can be given via a survey at haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au.