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Heritage in Waverley

^{The former sand dunes of the Bondi region are evident in this ‘continental bathing’ image.}

Waverley became Australia’s second municipality in 1859, and today has the second highest population density of any LGA. Known the world over for its natural jewel – Bondi Beach - the area has an incredible First Nations and post-colonial history and continues to evolve, with Waverley Council working with the NSW Government to guide heritage protection, urban planning and design.

Up until the early 20^th century, Waverley’s famous coastline was marked by large and shifting sand dunes, met with hinterland lagoons. As the traditional owners, the Bidiagal and Gadigal people once occupied the region, using its ridgelines to travel, overlook and manage their lands. There is also evidence of Aboriginal workshops in the area .

Part of two large colonial land grants, the Waverley area has had many lives post colonialism, including being used for cattle grazing, a coastal getaway (Bronte House still stands as a reminder of this time) and eventually residential subdivision and now home to the largest CBD in the eastern suburbs.

Waverley’s rich history means there are now 15 protected items listed on the State Heritage Register and 325 heritage items included in the Local Environmental Plan (view them on the State Heritage Register). Bondi  Beach and Centennial Park are also on the National Heritage List.

Many heritage items are owned by private residents and businesses, such as the iconic inter-war art deco buildings concentrated in the Bondi region. As such, there is a framework of resources to help residents maintain and/or develop their property whilst protecting local heritage:

• Waverley Heritage Policy, studies and assessments provide information on how to care for and develop heritage items, such as what to do when a fire upgrade is required for a protected apartment building.
• Heritage Conservation Areas (HCA) are protected precincts which have bespoke requirements, for instance all buildings in the HCA erected prior to a certain date may need to be maintained, but sympathetic additions/extensions are permitted.

Developing a heritage property

• Ordering a Planning Certificate is a definitive way to check if heritage planning controls are applicable to a property.
• Schedule 5 of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) lists all HCA and heritage items.
• Section B8 of the Development Control Plan (DCP) provides greater detail of what is required when developing a heritage listed property.
• For most development works, a Development Application (DA) will be required.
• For minor development works, a Development Application (DA) may not be required, instead a Heritage Exemption Certificate may be sufficient.
• To prune or remove a tree from a heritage listed property and/or a property that is within a HCA, see Tree pruning and removal.

Recognising exceptional heritage preservation

First held in 2006, the Waverley Heritage & Design Awards initially promoted Waverley's rich heritage through acknowledging projects which conserved, maintained and adapted heritage listed places. The Awards subsequently evolved to recognise excellence in contemporary design, and most recent iteration was held in 2019. Past winners include St Catherine’s School, Junior Administration School, Moreton Manor (formally Scarba House), Waverley Cemetery Coastal Walk, and The Doll’s House (16 Cables Place, Waverley).

^{The Doll’s House, 16 Cables Place, Waverley. 2019 Waverley Heritage & Design Awards winner Commendation for Emerging Architect - Lucy Shannon, Urban Rhetoric Pty Ltd.}