Waverley Council will trial a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Bondi Junction to support a more diverse and vibrant night-time economy. Bondi Junction is the primary commercial, cultural and transport hub for Waverley Local Government Area, and offers a range of shopping, dining, business and community activity, visited on a daily basis by people of all ages.

Waverley Council is committed to building a diverse and thriving night-time economy, in line with the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, which aim to boost night-time activity, live music, and dining across the state.

At its meeting on 9 December 2025, Council resolved to commence the establishment a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in Bondi Junction, encompassing the E2 Commercial Core zoned area.

Bondi Junction is the primary commercial centre for the Waverley Local Government Area and already plays an important role as a daytime destination for dining and shopping. The centre is well connected by public transport, and contains a concentration of restaurants, bars and cultural venues that are suited to evening activity.

A Special Entertainment Precinct would support the Bondi Junction Vision to be a vibrant day-and-night destination with Bondi Junction becoming a place for dining, nightlife, and culture.

A Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) is a designated area which establishes rules that support a vibrant mix of businesses and venues, live music, extended performance and entertainment activities and actively support a local night-time economy while ensuring the needs of residents, businesses and visitors are carefully balanced.

Special Entertainment Precincts operate within defined boundaries and are supported by a precinct management plan that outlines how venues operate, how noise is managed, and how community impacts are monitored.

Within a Special Entertainment Precinct, hospitality and entertainment venues such as restaurants, bars and performance spaces may be able to host live music and cultural activities with greater certainty around noise and operating conditions.

The Bondi Junction Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) trial will run for 12 months.

During this period, the operation of the precinct would be monitored and evaluated. At the end of the trial, findings would be reported to Council to determine whether the SEP should be established with no sunset clause.

The trial aims to explore how the area could support a more vibrant and diverse evening economy while maintaining a balanced environment for residents, businesses and visitors.

Monitoring during the trial will help assess both the opportunities and potential impacts of a SEP in Bondi Junction.

The trial would take place within the existing commercial core of Bondi Junction, zoned as E2 Commercial Centre where late-night trading is already permitted.