Background information

2005 Woollahra Contemporary Buildings Study

In 2005, the firm Clive Lucas Stapleton and Partners (CLSP) were engaged by Woollahra Council to assess 23 contemporary works of architecture for potential heritage significance. The focus of their study was "contemporary architecture", meaning, buildings of architectural styles belonging to the later 20th century. The items that formed their study included buildings that had received awards and commendations by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, or through Council’s consultation with persons interested in and knowledgeable about 20th century architecture. A result of that study was that some buildings were assessed, and subsequently not listed on Council's heritage register.

Almost 20 years after that initial study, Woollahra Council recognises that our knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture has expanded, and our method for assessing heritage significance has become more refined and standardised. This has prompted Council to revisit the CLSP study, and re-assess the buildings previously not heritage listed, for potential heritage listing.

In December 2023, Woollahra Council engaged Robertson and Hindmarsh Architects to undertake a review of the 2005 CLSP Contemporary Buildings Study, specifically with regards to reviewing nine (9) buildings that were not heritage listed at that time. The purpose of the review was to identify whether any of the buildings now warrant heritage listing, applying the current Heritage NSW guidelines and criteria, Assessing Heritage Significance (2023). Heritage listing aims to provide ongoing protection and recognition of the heritage significance of these sites.

A Draft Heritage Review was completed in May 2024, and the recommendations in the report identified five (5) properties as meeting the threshold for local heritage listing on the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 2014, Schedule 5.

  • 'Arlington', 351 and 351a Edgecliff Road, Edgecliff;
  • Still House, 8 Victoria Street, Vaucluse;
  • 'Baxter', 85 Drumalbyn Road, Bellevue Hill.
  • 'The Penthouses', 58-61 New Beach Road, Darling Point;
  • 'Bibaringa', 349 New South Head Road, Double Bay;

Additionally, the report identified the following property as being of State heritage significance and recommended the site be nominated for listing on the NSW State Heritage Register:

'Arlington', 351 and 351a Edgecliff Road, Edgecliff.

Council provided the Draft Heritage Study in July 2024 to owners within these properties to read and comment on the heritage review and associated heritage inventory sheets prepared for each property. The comprehensive heritage review provides a thoroughly researched development history of each property that builds on the investigations previously undertaken. The heritage inventory sheets provide a detailed description of the heritage significance of each item, with an assessment against the Heritage NSW assessment guidelines and criteria for heritage significance.

Following this owner pre-engagement, Council staff undertook additional research, site inspections and discussions to further clarify and refine the Draft Study and its recommendations. Council's heritage consultant has since revised the Heritage Study and associated Heritage Inventory Sheets in consideration of the additional information it has gained. These documents (dated January 2025) can be viewed and downloaded in the 'document library' on this page.

Council have prepared a Planning Proposal in line with the recommendations of the Draft Heritage Study. The purpose of the Planning Proposal is to seek an amendment to the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 2014 to include the five above sites as local heritage items on Schedule 5.

Council presented the Planning Proposal to the Woollahra Local Planning Panel (WLPP) seeking their advice on the Draft Heritage Study. The meeting of the WLPP was held on 6 March 2025. Following site inspections of the proposed sites (where possible), and after hearing representations made by owners (or their representatives), the WLPP made their considerations and voted in support of the Planning Proposal, and advises Council that the Planning Proposal has strategic and site-specific merit. They advise that Council should proceed with the Planning Proposal to amend the Woollahra LEP 2014 and list the five sites as local heritage items.

Environmental Planning Committee

7 March 2025

The Planning Proposal, amended in accordance with the advice of the Woollahra Local Planning Panel, will be presented to a meeting of the Woollahra Environmental Planning Committee (EP). The EP considers design and strategic planning issues that affect the municipality and our local environment. The Committee will consider the Planning Proposal and make a recommendation that will be considered at the next Council meeting. The Committee does not have delegated authority to determine the Planning Proposal. The Planning Proposal and other supporting documents that will be considered by the Committee are available to download in the 'Document Library' on this page.

More information on the EP meeting, its procedures, and how to register to attend, watch, or address the Committee can be found on Council's website here.

We welcome your feedback

Council invited property owners of the properties identified to share feedback or comments from 30 July to 30 August 2024. All submissions were reported to the Woollahra LPP, and the advice of the LPP will then be reported to the upcoming meeting of Council's Environmental Planning Committee, and then a future meeting of Council.

Those who made a submission will be notified of the upcoming meetings and you will be provided with an opportunity to address or submit correspondence to the decisions makers.

Should the Planning Proposal progress, there will be a formal public exhibition of the proposal when we will welcome public feedback. If you would like to stay updated via email, press +Follow at the top of this page.

To stay up-to-date with Council’s consultations, please register for Your Say Woollahra.