New Edgecliff gateway development expected after height limit triples

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has gazetted an amendment to the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014, allowing the planning proposal at 136-148 New South Head Road, Edgecliff to proceed with increased density.

The amendment raises the height limit from 14 metres to 46 metres at the 1,748 sqm mixed-use site located three kilometres from the CBD and opposite the Edgecliff Centre and Edgecliff Station.

GroupGSA delivered the planning proposal for the development dubbed One Darling Point, which is currently for sale through CBRE and Colliers. International development company, Anka Property Group, directed by Andrew and Vera Boyarsky, are the vendors.

GroupGSA urban design principal Jenna Keyes said the site’s significant location, situated directly across from Edgecliff Station and bus interchange, will contribute to the NSW Government’s aspiration for Sydney to be a 30-minute city. 

“Appropriate development of this site presents an opportunity to maximise the benefits of active and efficient transport for more residents and support the newly released housing targets from the NSW Government,” Keyes said. 

The New South Head Road corridor provides essential access to transport and services and a significant catchment area including Darling Point Peninsula, Paddington, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. 

Keyes said the rezoning will support future renewal objectives set out in the Greater Sydney Region Plan, including providing an appropriate location for additional housing, fostering growth to meet the community's needs for goods and services, and enhancing the area's roles in recreation, culture, arts, and community hubs.

GroupGSA developed a concept design for the site to align with the client’s and Woollahra Council’s vision of delivering the highest standard of architectural and urban design within the rejuvenated urban corridor and revitalised core.

GroupGSA Architecture principal Alister Eden said the site, positioned at the prominent intersection of New South Head and Darling Point Roads, presented “an opportunity to create a gateway building and new focal point” in the transformation of Edgecliff.

“The design is a direct nod to the retained art deco former bank building, and adjacent buildings of a similar architectural style,” Eden said. “The concept was conceived to work in harmony with the existing urban condition, while also delivering a contemporary response to this changing environment. 

“An activated public interface on the ground plane is designed to enhance the pedestrian experience of the centre, within what is currently a very vehicle-centric environment. This will improve the social and economic conditions of Edgecliff as a whole, aligning with the future development that is anticipated across adjacent sites.”

In July 2022, Woollahra Council refused the proposal, prompting Anka to call for a rezoning review. Following the success of that outcome, the NSW Department of Planning announced a gateway determination in March of this year.

Council backflipped on its decision by supporting the plans in February 2024, following public submissions which saw 63 per cent of residents in favour of the high-rise development.