Development Proposal Type: Food & Drink Premises with Footpath Seating
Services: Development Application (DA), Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE) and statutory compliance
Status: Approved
The Vision
The client wanted to transform a previously approved café into Luca & Luca Ice Creamery, a vibrant artisan ice cream bar with footpath seating that would capture the social, outdoor lifestyle of Bondi Beach.
Why Was Approval Needed for the Ice Creamery in Bondi Beach?
Bondi Beach is a heritage-rich and highly regulated precinct within the Waverley Local Government Area (LGA). Any alterations to shopfronts or new food and beverage uses require a Development Application.
For Luca & Luca, this meant gaining approval for:
- A new commercial fit-out for the artisan ice cream bar.
- Shopfront upgrades, including bifold doors and contemporary signage.
- Compliance with heritage conservation controls under the Bondi Beach Conservation Area.
- Alignment with Waverley LEP 2012 and Waverley DCP 2022 planning controls.
The proposal received development consent, allowing our client to open their flagship Bondi Beach store.
Key achievements:
- A modern, inviting ice cream bar with heritage-sensitive design.
- An active and open shopfront that connects directly to the beachfront promenade.
- A tourism and community hub that supports Bondi’s reputation as one of Sydney’s top food and lifestyle destinations.
This project demonstrates how expert town planning advice can unlock opportunities for hospitality businesses in highly regulated and heritage-sensitive areas.
By engaging Meliora Projects, Luca & Luca secured a faster approval pathway, reduced planning risk, and ensured compliance with Waverley Council’s strict controls.
Common Questions About Opening a Food Business in Bondi Beach (FAQ section)
- Do I need Council approval to open a café or ice cream shop in Bondi?
Yes – any new fit-out, signage, or change of use in the Bondi Beach precinct requires a Development Application (DA) to Waverley Council or may be eligible for alternative approval pathways (this must be confirmed by a suitably qualified town planner). - What planning rules apply to shopfront changes in Bondi Beach?
Shopfronts must comply with the Waverley LEP 2012 and Waverley DCP 2022, which include controls on heritage, signage, waste, accessibility, and flood planning. - How can a planner help with Bondi Beach approvals?
A qualified planner prepares the Statement of Environmental Effects (SoEE), coordinates with relevant consultants, and ensures compliance with statutory planning instruments – significantly increasing the chance of approval. - Do I need Council approval for outdoor dining in Bondi Beach?
Yes. Any footpath seating requires a license under section 125 of the Roads Act 1993 and must meet Waverley Council’s pedestrian access and amenity standards.
At Meliora Projects, we specialise in helping food, beverage, and retail businesses navigate complex approvals in heritage, beachfront, and high-profile urban precincts.
If you’re planning a project in Bondi or greater Sydney, you can talk to Meliora Projects — we’d be glad to have a conversation about how we can support you.
