A new community hub that includes retail, commercial, residential and community development, as well as new offices for Randwick Council administration staff, could be built in the heart of Kingsford town centre.

Randwick Councillors formally resolved at their meeting on 24 October 2023 to commence a feasibility study into a new development to be located at 1-11 Rainbow Street in Kingsford. The study would look at the possibility of including a new community library, hall, meeting rooms as well a performance space and lecture theatre as well as relocating the current Council administration offices.

The site is currently used as a car park and is located in the heart of the Kingsford town centre near the light rail terminus. The land was purchased by Council from Transport for NSW in 2017 and is currently earmarked in planning controls as a large strategic node site for 17 storey development.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said the site presents a unique opportunity to create a landmark community building to contribute positively to the thriving Kingsford town centre.

“This site is located in the geographic centre of our LGA, is well served by public transport and presents a chance to not only create a high-quality facility for our staff, but to create a true community hub.

“Early plans that are being explored include providing below ground public car parking, retail such as a supermarket, cafes, restaurants, community facilities like a library and public plazas as well as opportunities for apartments including affordable housing.

“Kingsford is a developing area with a bustling economy. This could be a landmark community development further activating and enhancing the strong sense of place and community connection,” Mayor Veitch said.

Council’s existing offices at 30 Frances Street Randwick – which are nearly 50 years old – would be upgraded with new air conditioning, lifts, paint and carpet to provide an additional 10 years of extended service while planning takes place for a new facility.

Should Council move its offices, the current building at Frances Street could be opened up for potential community use.