SOUTHERN COAST LOCAL CHARACTER STATEMENT

DRAFT

1300 722 542 randwick.nsw.gov.au

Step 2 – Identifying an area’s character

A character assessment identifies the major characteristics as well as the intangible aspects of experience and emotional response. Ideally this exercise should be done with community to gain a deeper insight. IdentifyingOur boundariesApproach The physical boundaries of a character area could be natural features, open space, thoroughfares, infrastructure, change in use (commercial to residential) or special features. There may be a change in character where one area Local character is the identity of place and what makes a can be characterised differently from an adjacent area. This may also involve working with adjacent councils. Aboriginal and Torres neighbourhood distinctive. It is a combination of land, people, Thethe Local built Character environment, Wheel (Figure history 6) will and identify culture the social, and environmental looks at how and economic features within the Strait Islander statement boundarythese factorsarea and assistinteract in identifying to make the thearea’s character character. of an area. In addition to the Local Character Wheel, Government Architect NSW’s place analysis tool (available online via the GANSW Website) can be used to obtain a rounded understanding of place assessment. It begins by

identifyingThe Department the key of Planning,site information Industry andfollowed by analysis of the pre-existing factors that generate a place – its Randwick City Council acknowledges that Aboriginal ‘spatialEnvironment’s geography’ Local Character– and forms Wheel. the basis for implementing urban design and planning. and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Australians of this land, and the Bidjigal and Gadigal people who traditionally occupied the land we now call Randwick City.

Randwick City has a rich and unique Aboriginal cultural history, with La Perouse being the only area in where the local Aboriginal community have had an unbroken connection to the land.

We recognise and celebrate the spiritual and cultural connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the land which long pre-dates European settlement and continues today.

Building on our Statement of Recognition and commitment to Reconciliation, Council wishes to support the vision and plans of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait community in order to close the gap on disadvantage, build stronger local and regional economies and support culturally rich and healthy communities.

Figure 6 – Local Character Wheel

2 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 3

Local Character and Place Guideline | February 2019 21 Southern Coast Local Character Area The Southern Coast Local Character Area (LCA #10) spans from Mistral Point at the northern point Maroubra Bay to Congwong Bay in the south. It includes much of the significant natural and environmental open spaces of Randwick City, such as the Malabar Headland and National Parks which include a number of culturally sensitive Aboriginal areas.

Mahon Pool Malabar Headland National Park Council’s methodology for identifying local character has involved two main streams of research – expert and local knowledge. Our expert knowledge is drawn from Council’s databases and is based on the three indicators of local character – environmental, social and economic. Local knowledge is drawn from extensive community consultation conducted in 2019 and social media analytics. By mapping and overlaying all of this data, we have generated spatial representations of local character and have identified draft Local Character Areas (LCAs) and draft Special Character Areas across the LGA. Eleven draft Local Character Statements have been prepared that will outline the key features and desired future character of each LCA. In addition, Council has identified draft Special Character Areas where local character indicators and community engagement outcomes emerge as a dense layer based on the methodology. Each LCA has one Special Character Area, while the Maroubra Central and Bunnerong Creek LCAs each have two. For more information on local character, please refer to the the Department of Planning Kamay Industry and Environment’s Local Character Botany Bay and Place Guideline. National Park

4 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 5 Southern Coast Community LCA Key Features Feedback

To inform our local character analysis, Council undertook comprehensive community engagement in 2019 through online surveys, interactive mapping, interviews, community workshops and pop up stalls. In workshops and online, participants were asked to put points on the map for places they consider have changed for the better, stayed the same and changed for the worse. They were also asked to map their special place.

Places considered to have Significant Aboriginal cultural changed for the better places and landscape heritage Areas that have stayed the same Places considered to have changed for the worse

Special place

Large swathes of significant open space and national parklands

Dramatic rocky coastline and beaches encircling the southern bays

6 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 7 Malabar Malabar

Participants of the community workshops were asked to Council engaged a consultant to conduct social media analytics on Randwick City to consider their suburb both now and into the future. better understand residents and visitors sentiment toward the key features in each suburb. The analysis drew key words from social media relating to each suburb, which are displayed in a word cloud according to frequency of use.

Malabar area character: now 745 social media mentions LOWDENSITY EMPTY UNPLEASANT Malabar word cloud LACKSGREENERY SAFE LACKOFDIERSITY LIEABLE COMPACT WALKABLE HERITAGE RUNDOWN UNIUE PEACEFUL DULL NARROWSTREETS SCENIC COASTAL

Malabar area character: future

10 most frequently used words

GREEN-CORRIDORS BEACH 166 TREES PARK 48 COASTAL HEADLAND 46 LIVEABLE WHEELCHAIR 38 PEACEFUL UNIQUE NEW 35 FIRST 34 CLEAN WALK 32 RELAXED NATION 32 LOW-DENSITY LARGE-CANOPY PERMANENT 31 ACCESS 30

8 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 9 Little Bay Little Bay

Participants of the community workshops were asked to Council engaged a consultant to conduct social media analytics on Randwick City to consider their suburb both now and into the future. better understand residents and visitors sentiment toward the key features in each suburb. The analysis drew key words from social media relating to each suburb, which are displayed in a word cloud according to frequency of use.

Little Bay area character: now 325 social media mentions OERDEELOPED WIDESTREETS

ACCESSIBLE COMPACT Little Bay word cloud LACKOFDIERSITY LIEABLE HIGHERDENSITYEMPTY HERITAGE CLEAN RELAED WALKABLE PEACEFUL SAFE SCENIC TREELINED COASTAL DULLUNIUE

Little Bay area character: future

WALKABLE 10 most frequently used words

ACCESSIBLE LOW-DENSITY BEACH 104 TIME 26 ACTIVE SCENIC COAST 24 PEACEFUL NEW 23 TREE-LINED PHOTO 21 TREES RELAXED GREENCOASTAL LIVEABLE NEW 20 SAFE DIVERSE SOUTH 18 CLEAN CONGESTED MORNING 16 HERITAGE GREAT 16 HIGHER-DENSITY BEAUTIFUL 16

10 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 11 La Perouse La Perouse

Participants of the community workshops were asked to Council engaged a consultant to conduct social media analytics on Randwick City to consider their suburb both now and into the future. better understand residents and visitors sentiment toward the key features in each suburb. The analysis drew key words from social media relating to each suburb, which are displayed in a word cloud according to frequency of use.

La Perouse area character: now 745 social media mentions

OERDEELOPED LOWDENSITY La Perouse word cloud ABORIGINALL BUSTLING WALKABLE STUNNING UNIUE EMPTY UNSAFE ACTIE UNPLEASANTRUNDOWN SCENIC CROWDED HERITAGE MUSEUM NOISY LIEABLE COASTAL PEACEFULCLEAN

La Perouse area character: future MORE-EXHIBITIONS ARTS-LIVE-MUSIC 10 most frequently used words EMPTY RELAXED UNSAFE TREES BEACH 190 LESS-DEVELOPMENT ISLAND 98 INDIGENOUS-SIGNAGE UNIQUE ABORIGINAL 83 SCENIC LOW-DENSITY VIBRANT BARE 82 BAY 78 COASTAL HERITAGE SUNSET 77 NO-DEVELOPMENT LIVEABLE PEACEFUL BOTANY 59 BIKE-FRIENDLY PHOTO 52 WALKABLE HISTORY SOUTH 41 COASTAL-WALKWAY COMMUNITY 41

12 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 13

Step 2 – Identifying an area’s character

A character assessment identifies the major characteristics as well as the intangible aspects of experience and emotional response. Ideally this exercise should be done with community to gain a deeper insight.

Identifying boundaries The physical boundaries of a character area could be natural features, open space, thoroughfares, infrastructure, change in use (commercial to residential) or special features. There may be a change in character where one area can be characterised differently from an adjacent area. This may also involve working with adjacent councils.

The Local Character Wheel (Figure 6) will identify the social, environmental and economic features within the boundary area and assist in identifying the area’s character.

In addition to the Local Character Wheel, Government Architect NSW’s place analysis tool (available online via the GANSW Website) can be used to obtain a rounded understanding of place assessment. It begins by identifying the key site information followed by analysis of the pre-existing factors that generate a place – its ‘spatial geography’ – and forms the basis for implementing urban design and planning.

Environmental Key findings from our community engagement on Southern Coast include: characteristics • Community concern about loss of natural/ • Many people value the village feel at open space as a result of development Maroubra Beach town centre, while

some believe that it has potential for Figure 6 – Local Character Wheel

• Many people in the community enjoy the redevelopment Local Character and Place Guideline | February 2019 21 new Malabar Headland coastal walkway • Many people wish to maintain the low The LCA is distinctive for its dramatic rocky coastline and • Mixed responses in regard to the rifle range density residential character in the area beaches encircling the southern Bays and large expanses of at Malabar Headland • Many people want greater active transport open space along the coast. • Issues in regards to parking at Malabar and connections, including the completion of the Little Bay beaches coastal walk and more cycle paths Areas of environmental significance in the LCA include Jack Vanny Reserve, MMalabar Headland National Park and Kamay Botany Bay National Park, as well as the many beaches and bays located along the coastline. Jack Vanny Reserve is situated on the northern headland of Maroubra Beach and forms a part of the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk. From this open, grassed and rocky reserve, there are spectacular views of Maroubra Beach to the south and Lurline Bay to the north. Steps lead from the middle of the reserve to Mahon section lies between Anzac Rifle Range and Pool which is a popular swimming location and an area of medium density housing in South generally a safer and calmer option for children Maroubra. Open year-round, it contains than Maroubra Beach. an area of remnant native vegetation. The Malabar Headland National Park (also a eastern section is at the end of the headland. Heritage Conservation Area) offers dramatic It includes sandstone cliffs, remnant native coastal views and walks between Maroubra vegetation and Boora Point Battery, aWWII and Malabar beaches. The park covers two coastal defence site. The eastern section is separate sections of the headland. The western closed when the ANZAC Rifle Range is in use.

Malabar Headland National Park

14 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 15 Little Bay Beach

Southern Coast bushland sites and REMNANT BUSHLAND SITE ITEMS items of natural value: Jack Vanny Reserve, Indigenous plant species considered rare in Randwick, herb and Maroubra sedgeland, saltmarsh species, native revegetation.

The sand dunes Walkway in South Maroubra Beach Arthur Byrne Reserve, Threatened species, heath and scrub on deep sand. Maroubra

Anzac Pde Median, Threatened species, heath on deep sand. The national park has considerable scenic sensitive areas together with the Aboriginal Malabar value, landscape and aesthetic significance. Heritage and Significance locations are its The bushland and ocean cliffs can be main features and make this area perfect Malabar Wetland Threatened species, freshwater swamp, native revegetation. appreciated as part of a largely unaltered for active recreational uses such as surfing, natural landscape. There are excellent views walking and golf. Pioneers Park Threatened species, heath and scrub on sand, native revegetation. of the coastline north and south from the The remnant bushland, biodiversity and Cromwell Park South Low sandstone cliffs, rock platforms, beach dune, spinifex headland and the headland also provides natural values of Southern Coast include: (including Malabar Beach grassland, coastal sedgeland, native revegetation. an attractive natural backdrop for many and foreshore) views in the local area. Dramatic cliff top • Randwick City’s largest and most intact views and rugged bushland make Malabar sections of remnant bushland at Malabar Randwick Golf Course Ranging sandstone cliffs, rock platforms, coastal sedgeland. Headland National Park a popular spot for Headland and Kamay Botany Bay National coastal walks. It is also a great spot for whale Park La Perouse, which offer bushwalking Maroubra Beach Beach dunes, Spinifex grassland, dune shrub-forest, native watching, with humpbacks cruising the Pacific opportunities revegetation. Ocean during season. • A geological and Aboriginal ochre site Prince Henry, Threatened species, heath and scrub on sand, moist heath, Both the eastern and western sections Little Bay indigenous plant species considered rare in Randwick. • The best representations of what the contain bushland remnants which are some original vegetation would have looked like Malabar Headland Threatened species, indigenous plants species considered of the largest areas of essentially unmodified pre-1788 National Park regionally rare and rare in Randwick, variety of habitats and plant bushland in Sydney’s . communities, excellent native plant diversity, freshwater swamps, The bushland is a significant part of one • The largest proportion of land containing large headland with ranging sandstone cliffs, rock platforms. of the two semi-natural corridors between threatened species The Anzac Rifle Range Former University Threatened species, heath and scrub, indigenous plant species Botany Bay and . Together • The most ‘natural’ water features including from Maroubra Beach of NSW land considered rare in Randwick, geological site, wetland and the sections support one of the two most creeks and coastal swamps species rich areas of indigenous flora in the (Little Bay Cove) reconstructed creek, native revegetation. Eastern Suburbs, and at least seven distinct Telstra land, La Perouse Threatened species, scrub on deep sand, moist heath. plant communities. They support three rare or threatened Australian plant species. Coast Golf Course, Wet and dry heath on sandstone, sedgeland, native revegetation, The western section contains four areas Little Bay beach dune, low sandstone cliffs, rock platforms, watercourses. of critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS). Both sections of Spinal Cord Injuries Threatened species, heath on sandstone. the heritage conservation area contain Australia, Little Bay also contain geomorphological features of Cullens Driving Range, Heath and scrub on sandstone. scientific value. These include the Pleistocene Little Bay dune remnants. St Michaels Golf Course, Threatened species, scrub on deep sand, heath on sandstone, The Botany Bay National Park Heritage Little Bay native revegetation, dry sclerophyll forest, creek/watercourse, dam. Conservation Area covers the entire coastal strip facing Botany Bay and the Pacific NSW Golf Course, Threatened species, indigenous plant species considered rare in Ocean, from Yarra Bay to the old Prince La Perouse Randwick, scrub on deep sand, heath on sandstone, swamps, Henry Hospital site. Refer to the Social sedgeland, native revegetation, creek/watercourse, dam. Characteristics paragraph for more details Kamay Botany Bay Threatened species, excellent example of Themeda Grasslands, on the Botany Bay National Park Heritage National Park, indigenous plant species considered rare in Randwick, variety Conservation Area social significance. The La Perouse of habitats and plant communities, good native plant diversity, National Park has a strong environmental (including Jennifer St) swamps, creek/watercourses, sheer sandstone cliffs, beach dunes. focus. The wetlands and environmentally

16 Randwick City Council Maroubra Rock Pools Southern Coast Local Character Statement 17 Environmental indicators density map The following map is the spatial representation of the environmental indicators mapping overlay. It shows the concentration of indicators such as topography and Maroubra tree canopy, hydrography, open basin space and protection areas. It provides evidence of nodes where environmental indicators emerge as a dense layer (i.e. dark pink) over the whole coastal fringe with few inland areas like the Maroubra basin, Malabar Headland National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park South Maroubra Beach and golf courses.

Malabar Opportunities for bushland and biodiversity in • Continue to increase buffer plantings to Headland the Southern Coast LCA: protect remnant bushland in the Anzac National Parade median, Arthur Byrne Reserve, Park • Continue to resource ecological restoration Pioneers Park, Cromwell Park and the Little efforts at Council managed sites Bay fauna corridor. • Continue to mitigate threats acting upon • Continue to link patches of remnant bushland remnant bushland and prioritise work around through appropriate indigenous plantings and areas of high biodiversity value create effective fauna corridors along Anzac Parade road easement

Kamay Botany Bay Wild flowers bushes walking track in La Perouse National Park

18 Randwick City Council MaroubraSouthern Central Coast Local Character Statement 19

Step 2 – Identifying an area’s character

A character assessment identifies the major characteristics as well as the intangible aspects of experience and emotional response. Ideally this exercise should be done with community to gain a deeper insight.

Identifying boundaries The physical boundaries of a character area could be natural features, open space, thoroughfares, infrastructure, change in use (commercial to residential) or special features. There may be a change in character where one area can be characterised differently from an adjacent area. This may also involve working with adjacent councils.

The Local Character Wheel (Figure 6) will identify the social, environmental and economic features within the boundary area and assist in identifying the area’s character.

In addition to the Local Character Wheel, Government Architect NSW’s place analysis tool (available online via the GANSW Website) can be used to obtain a rounded understanding of place assessment. It begins by identifying the key site information followed by analysis of the pre-existing factors that generate a place – its ‘spatial geography’ – and forms the basis for implementing urban design and planning.

Social characteristics

Figure 6 – Local Character Wheel

Local Character and Place Guideline | February 2019 21

The Southern Coast LCA is characterised by its variety of open spaces. Its social characteristics are inexplicably linked to the natural environment. Within the LCA, there are three heritage conservation areas (HCAs).

The Malabar Headland HCA has a strong than two centuries. The HCA includes areas historic and social significance (as well as a of native bushland, most notably in the area strong environmental significance, as outlined adjacent to Jennifer Street and in pockets in the previous section). The eastern section between the fairways of the many golf courses of the HCA includes a WWII coastal defence within the HCA. Also located within the HCA site of historic significance, the Boora Point is the Little Bay Miocene Geological Heritage Battery. This is an imposing, purpose-built Site and Aboriginal Ochre Site. The Geological coastal landmark which is important for Heritage site is the only known site containing Malabar ocean rock pool providing tangible evidence of Australia’s peat of Miocene age (22 million years before coastal defence efforts in the area during WWII. present) on the NSW coast and one of only Surfing at South The Boora Point Battery features a number two in the country. The Little Bay Ochre Maroubra Beach of particularly unusual attributes, including Aboriginal site is of high significance to the In terms of passive and active recreational Malabar Beach is one of Randwick City's gun mountings, an underground counter- local Aboriginal community. It is a source of items, the Southern Coast LCA consists of lesser-known beaches. It features a rock pool bombardment facility, ammunition supply ochre or pipe clay used in body decoration for many reserves, playgrounds, golf courses, located on the southern foreshore below and engine room, and a sunken tramway various cultural practices, including dances walkways and beaches that support a wide Randwick Golf Club. The beach is popular with associated with an observation post. and ceremonies. range of activities. families due to its generally calm conditions. On the northern side of the bay is a boat ramp The Botany Bay National Park HCA covers Within the LCA there is also the Prince Henry Maroubra Beach is popular with visitors given and the home base for the Randwick District the entire coastal strip facing Botany Bay and Hospital HCA and the Aboriginal Place of its easy access and large kilometre-long Offshore Rescue Boat. Cromwell Park is the Pacific Ocean, from Yarra Bay to Prince Heritage Significance. The HCA consists of expanse of sand and with surfers given the located directly behind the beach where there Henry Hospital. It comprises of an extensive a diverse complex of buildings in the coastal regular good swell and wave conditions. The is a children's playground and public toilets, stretch of dramatic coastline including areas of landscape, focused on the hospital which word 'Maroubra' comes from an Aboriginal showers and change rooms. remnant bushland and sites of early Aboriginal played an important role in the treatment word meaning 'like thunder', describing the and European contact. The existing landscape of infectious diseases from the 1880s until sound of waves pounding the shoreline. Little Bay Beach, a 'secret' beach popular with and man-made features provide evidence of 1986. The site is historically important to the These waves have made Maroubra one of the locals, is well protected from large coastal and are associated with, numerous historical local Aboriginal Community for its historic most popular surfing locations in Sydney and swells making it perfect for swimming and events and processes over a period of more associations prior to European occupation. Australia's second National Surfing Reserve. snorkelling. It too is popular with families The beach is serviced by two surf lifesaving while the rock ledges to the north and south clubs, and is patrolled all year by Randwick are popular with fisherman, albeit can be City lifeguards. dangerous at times. The Little Bay Rock Pool is a ring-of-rocks pool constructed with beach Arthur Byrne Reserve is a large grassed rocks on the southern tip of Little Bay. beachside park located directly adjacent to Maroubra Beach. It has many grassed areas screened by native trees and shrubs, making it an ideal location for picnics. Park facilities include picnic shelters, BBQs, bubblers, beach access and toilets and change rooms in the nearby pavilion. The popular Maroubra Skate Park is located within the reserve.

Macartney Reserve, also known locally as Macartney Oval, is a large park, ideal for sport and recreation, and also has seating and a LittleHeffron Bay Park Beach playground for toddlers.

20 RandwickLittle CityBay Council Headland Southern Coast Local Character Statement 21 Maroubra Beach vista

development pattern. The street layout is not and the Department of Housing development notable, but all allotments, and consequently south of the prison. The medium-density of the buildings, are offset to the alignment of the Bilga Crescent social housing estate along the street, giving a strong and unusual rhythm the southern edge of the Gaol is somewhat to the streetscape. This is accentuated by the disconnected from the remainder of the area. very narrow separation between the detached Within this area is the Kooloora Community houses, giving the streetscape a very dense Centre on Bilga Crescent. quality. The area within Malabar Rd and Broome St in particular contributes to the built form local character.

To the south, the small suburb of Malabar is located, which is distinctive for its irregular rocky coastline and the small sandy beach terminating in Long Bay. The Sewerage Treatment Works Plant sits within this landscape. A slither of open space wraps Little Congwong Beach around the bay and culminates in Randwick Golf Course on the southern headland

The residential neighbourhood in Malabar is Congwong Beach is located within the Kamay • The Coast Golf Club surrounding Little Bay located on the southern side of Long Bay. Botany Bay National Park and is in the care There are three distinct neighbourhoods in • St. Michael's Golf Club located within Kamay and control of the National Parks and Wildlife Malabar. The original rectilinear grid on the Botany Bay National Park area Service. It is a beautiful, calm bay facing steeper north-eastern slopes overlooking Long Botany Bay close to the Cann Park. Close • The Golf Club which is Bay, the more recent curvilinear subdivision The Coast golf course by, Little Congwong Beach provides a more situated on the northern headland of Botany on the plateau adjacent to the golf course secluded beach used occasionally as a non- Bay, flanked by the rugged cliffs of Henry official nudist beach. Cruwee Cove Beach is a Head and the prominent headland of Cape quiet, windblown cove also located within the Banks. Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The built environment included in the Southern Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal Coast LCA is located east of Malabar Rd and walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Anzac Parade and overlooking the Pacific Botany Bay. Cape Banks is a fantastic spot for Ocean. whale watching. The northern section of the LCA is a broad The Coast Hospital Cemetery Walk is an easy open valley stretching between the rocky walk, near a beautiful coastline, visiting an headlands framing Maroubra Beach on early Australian cemetery. The cemetery is the eastern edge. East of Malabar Road, a located on raised ground, with views out to the rectilinear street layout provides dramatic coast and sea. Used primarily as a cemetery vistas to the ocean from most streets. In this for the old quarantine hospital from the 1880’s, area, houses are larger and in a variety of it is home to over 2000 graves (most not styles. Closer to the beach, three-storey walk- visible). The visible grave sites are interesting up flats have a greater consistency in form and provide a fascinating glimpse into life and and scale. The Maroubra Beach commercial death over 100 years ago. precinct on McKeon Street and Marine Parade There are also the four major golf courses is undistinguished and, like much of the area, situated along the coast: lacks significant planting.

• The Randwick Golf Club at Malabar with Between the Coral Sea Estate and the Malabar stunning views overlooking Long Bay and the Headland National Park, the area displays Pacific Ocean a unique medium-density subdivision and

22 Randwick City Council Malabar and its connection with the Headland and the Ocean Southern Coast Local Character Statement 23 Within this LCA the residential built character is featured by the prevalent single dwelling with 1 or 2 storeys building typologies, accounting for 77.7% of all housing stock. Flat building typologies consist of 9.3% and are focused on the Maroubra Beach centre, along Anzac Parade at Little Bay and in the Bilga Crescent social housing estate.

Social indicators density map The following map is the spatial representation of the social indicators mapping overlay. It shows the concentration of indicators such as community facilities, heritage and culture, leisure and recreation, Maroubra public transport and social housing. Beach It provides evidence of nodes where environmental qualities emerge as a dense layer (i.e. dark pink) over the whole coastal fringe and on Maroubra Beach, Malabar Headland and Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

Malabar Headland National Park

1-2 storey single dwelling 1-3 and 4+ multi storey flats (red and bordeaux)

Kamay Botany Bay National Park

24 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 25

Step 2 – Identifying an area’s character

A character assessment identifies the major characteristics as well as the intangible aspects of experience and emotional response. Ideally this exercise should be done with community to gain a deeper insight.

Identifying boundaries The physical boundaries of a character area could be natural features, open space, thoroughfares, infrastructure, change in use (commercial to residential) or special features. There may be a change in character where one area can be characterised differently from an adjacent area. This may also involve working with adjacent councils.

The Local Character Wheel (Figure 6) will identify the social, environmental and economic features within the boundary area and assist in identifying the area’s character.

In addition to the Local Character Wheel, Government Architect NSW’s place analysis tool (available online via the GANSW Website) can be used to obtain a rounded understanding of place assessment. It begins by identifying the key site information followed by analysis of the pre-existing factors that generate a place – its ‘spatial geography’ – and forms the basis for implementing urban design and planning.

Economic characteristics

Figure 6 – Local Character Wheel

Southern Coast LCA is fundamentally based on natural open Local Character and Place Guideline | February 2019 21 space and environmentally and culturally sensitive areas. Cultural items and green infrastructures contribute to the local economy (e.g. beaches and walkways).

Each year many people experience the and McKeon Street, adjacent to the Maroubra Malabar is another small-scale neighbourhood spectacular views and special experiences that beachfront. The centre generally consists of centre, functioning as a cluster of active retail this LCA offers. The few small business activitiy retail, cafes and food takeaways. The Maroubra uses along Anzac Parade intersecting with areas in Southern Coast LCA are located in Seals Sports and Community Club and The Lawson Street and Franklin Street. The centre Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay. Bay Hotel and Diner are the two large licensed predominantly consists of food takeaway with a venues within the centre. Nearby is the South number of restaurants and cafes. There is also Maroubra Beach neighbourhood centre is a Maroubra Shopping Village which consists of some retail and services such as a pharmacy local precinct that mainly operates during the a number of food takeaways, a Woolworths and newsagent. The Malabar Library is also part day and is busiest during the summer months. supermarket, a large pharmacy and some of this centre. It is located predominantly on Marine Parade professional services.

Business activities at Maroubra Beach (Source: SGS Economics and Planning 2019) Business activities along Pine Ave (Source: SGS Economics and Planning 2019)

26 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 27 Economic indicators density map The following map is the spatial The Little Bay neighbourhood centre is located on representation of the economic the intersection of Anzac Parade and Pine Avenue. indicators mapping overlay. It shows This local centre containing a range of retail uses, the concentration of indicators such including some large cafés and a Foodworks Maroubra as local economy, commercial areas, Beach supermarket. Much of the centre is part of the food and health-related activities, mixed use area within Prince Henry, while there road network and parking. It provides is also some older, commercial stock on Anzac evidence of nodes where economic Parade. indicators emerge as a dense layer (i.e. South dark purple) at the Maroubra Beach, Maroubra South Maroubra Village, Malabar and Village Little Bay neighbourhood centres.

Malabar neighbourhood centre

Little Bay neighbourhood centre

Kamay Botany Bay Business activities along Pine Ave (Source: SGS Economics and Planning 2019) National Park

28 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 29 Southern Coast Character Special Character Area principles

The Southern Coast Special Character Area has been derived These character principles have been prepared to set from the values density overlay analysis and the community the desired future character of Southern Coast LCA. The shared values and future aspirations. character principles have been formulated based on the analysis documented in this statement.

It encompasses the sensitive environmental area along the LCAs coastline, including the coastal bays of Maroubra, Malabar, Little Southern Coast LCA character These character principles Bay and Congwong, the Malabar Headland principles: will inform the comprehensive National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National review of the Randwick Park, Little Bay Cove and the coastal golf • Protect large areas of open space and national Local Environmental Plan courses. The Special Character Area has parklands into the future 2012 occuring in 2020 and extremely high natural value, landscape relevance and significant vistas. • Maintain vistas to the ocean from public areas guide future provisions in the Randwick Development The high environmental and social • Appropriate development that responds to the Control Plan 2013 which will be significance of this Special Character Area coastal landscape is to be preserved for current and future reviewed and updated following generations. Ensuring views are maintained the adoption of the new LEP. • Increased street planting with a focus on to the coast and infill development in the native trees to connect the natural environment sensitive coastal area does not detract By elevating local character in from its unique coastal character is the key of the coastline to the urban areas to the west the local planning framework, characterisation of this Special Character we will deliver better place- • Ensure future development respects the Area. based planning outcomes for cultural significance of Indigenous landscapes the community. and sites

• Public domain upgrades to existing, smaller centres such as Maroubra Beach and Malabar to make them more inviting

• Ensure that future redevelopment of large sites responds to the coastal character and other key considerations such as public transport access to the LCA

• Maintaining of the ‘village feel’ at Maroubra, Malabar and Little Bay beaches

30 Randwick City Council Southern Coast Local Character Statement 31 Randwick City Council [email protected] 30 Frances Street www.randwick.nsw.gov.au Randwick NSW 2031 Follow us here Phone 1300 722 542 Fax (02) 9319 1510