Overview
We have a strong commitment to conserve the heritage of our local area and, based on the results of a heritage study of two study areas in Woollahra, we are proposing to list five buildings in our local area as local heritage items.
The study recommended the heritage listing of five buildings:
- “Centennial Flats – residential flat building, including interiors” at 2A Queen Street Woollahra
- “Former gymnasium, restaurant and nightclub” at 60-80 Oxford Street Woollahra (previously known as 78-80 Oxford Street Woollahra)
- A group of three properties known as the “Victorian Rustic Gothic Terraces heritage item group”
- 82 Oxford Street Woollahra
- 84 Oxford Street Woollahra
- 86 Oxford Street Woollahra
Last year we invited property owners of each of the properties being assessed to provide feedback.
We are now inviting the community to provide feedback on a Planning Proposal to list these five buildings as heritage items. The public exhibition period is from 11 February - 27 March 2026. Feedback closes 27 March 2026.
Background
We have a proactive approach to heritage conservation in our local area. This includes buildings dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and also outstanding buildings from more recent times. These are an important part of the heritage of our local area.
In 2021 we employed specialist heritage consultants to independently assess the heritage significance of two study areas in Woollahra, the first was Centennial Flats (2A Queen Street Woollahra) and the second included properties from no. 58 to no. 88-90 Oxford Street.
This was in response to two Council resolutions:
- A Council resolution relating to the Oxford Street properties (no. 58 to no. 88-90) at the Council meeting on Monday 23 August 2021. (see page 518)
- A Council resolution relating to the Centennial Flats at the Council meeting on Monday 25 October 2021. (see page 756)
The heritage consultants completed the study, in which research was undertaken into the history and development of all of the properties in both study areas. The purpose of the research was to identify whether any of the buildings 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.
The assessment recommended the heritage listing of five buildings (two individual buildings and one group item comprising three properties), listed below:
- “Centennial Flats – residential flat building, including interiors” at 2A Queen Street Woollahra
- “Former gymnasium, restaurant and nightclub” at 60-80 Oxford Street Woollahra (previously known as 78-80 Oxford Street Woollahra)
- A group of three properties known as the “Victorian Rustic Gothic Terraces heritage item group”
- 82 Oxford Street Woollahra
- 84 Oxford Street Woollahra
- 86 Oxford Street Woollahra
In April and May 2025, we consulted with property owners of each of the properties and invited them to provide feedback.
At its meeting of 25 August 2025, Council resolved to endorse the Planning Proposal to amend the Woollahra LEP 2014 Schedule 5 to include the properties listed above as local heritage items.
Council staff, following the meeting, submitted the Planning Proposal to Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) seeking Gateway Determination to place the proposal on public exhibition.
Gateway Determination was granted on 28 January 2026. The planning proposal is on public exhibition from 11 February - 27 March 2026.
Property owners were invited to provide feedback during the heritage study and review
In April 2025, Council provided the Heritage Study to the property owners for comment on the heritage study and associated heritage inventory sheets prepared for each property.
The comprehensive heritage review provided a thoroughly researched development history of each property that built on the investigations previously undertaken. The heritage inventory sheets provided 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 consultation with property owners, Council staff and Council's heritage consultant undertook additional research, site inspections and discussions to further clarify and refine the Study and its recommendations. View the Heritage Study and associated Heritage Inventory Sheets (March 2025) can be viewed in the 'Document Library' on this page.
Council presented the Planning Proposal to the Woollahra Local Planning Panel in July 2025
Council prepared a Planning Proposal in line with the recommendations of the 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 [two individual buildings and one group item (comprising three properties)] as local heritage items on Schedule 5.
Council presented the Planning Proposal to the Woollahra Local Planning Panel (WLPP) seeking their advice on the Heritage Study on 17 July 2025. Following site inspections of the proposed sites (where possible), the WLPP voted in support of the Planning Proposal, and advised that Council should proceed with the Planning Proposal to amend the Woollahra LEP 2014 and list the five sites [two individual buildings and one group item (comprising three properties) as local heritage items.
The Planning Proposal was presented to Woollahra Environmental Planning Committee in August 2025
The Planning Proposal, amended in accordance with the advice of the Woollahra Local Planning Panel, was presented to a meeting of the Woollahra Environmental Planning Committee (EP) on 4 August 2025. The EP considered the design and strategic planning issues that affect the municipality and our local environment. The Committee recommend the Planning Proposal 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 were considered by the Committee are available to download in the 'Document Library' on this page.
More information on the EP meeting can be found on Council's website.
Council resolved to endorse the Planning Proposal on 25 August 2025
The Planning Proposal was presented to a full meeting of Council on 25 August 2025. At this meeting, the Planning Proposal was supported unanimously by Councillors, who resolved that Council staff should progress the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) requesting Gateway Determination.
View the full Council Resolution.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure provided a Gateway determination on 28 January 2026
The Planning Proposal was updated in accordance with the resolutions of Council and forwarded to the DPHI with a request for a Gateway Determination to allow public exhibition.
The Gateway determination was received in January 2026, determining that the planning proposal should proceed to public exhibition. Council was designated to exercise local plan-making authority functions in relation to the planning proposal.
Public Exhibition
The proposal is on public exhibition from 11 February - 27 March 2026.
Have your say by completing the online form below.
Alternatively, visit Woollahra Council Customer Service area, 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday to view a hard copy of the exhibition material. When making a written submission, quote reference SC9297 and address to the General Manager at Woollahra Council, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360 or emailed to records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Feedback closes 27 March.
Next steps
Following the public exhibition period, Council staff will review the submissions and prepare a report that will be presented to the Woollahra Environmental Planning Committee (EPC).
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