Heritage in Waverley

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

Until the early 20th century, Bondi's famous shoreline was marked by large and shifting sand dunes, met with hinterland lagoons. As the traditional owners, the Bidiagal and Gadigal once occupied the region, using its ridgelines to travel, overlook and manage their lands. This is also evidenced by Aboriginal workshops in the area.

Part of large colonial land grants, the Waverley area has been used for cattle grazing, as a coastal getaway (Bronte House still stands as a reminder of this time) and later, residential subdivision and is 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 residents and businesses, such as the iconic Inter-War art deco buildings concentrated in the Bondi region. Council provides a framework of information to help residents maintain and/or develop their property while 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 in a certain way, but sympathetic additions/extensions are permitted.

Developing a heritage property

Recognising exceptional heritage conservation

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

   
 

Did you know: The LGA takes its name from Waverley House, which was the home of Barnett Levey, which was built on his 60-acre farm in 1827 and stood on what is now Oxford Street. The home was named after Edward Waverley, the fictional hero of the Sir Walter Scott Waverley novels. Levey was the first free male Jewish settler in Australia and founded the nation’s first permanent theatre – the Theatre Royal in Royal Hotel, George Street. For more local history, visit Waverley Library.

 


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