An application for a State Significant Development has been lodged for 13-17 Oxford Street and 2 Verona Street, Paddington 2021. The proposal is a mixed-use development with some infill affordable housing and includes the demolition of existing structures while retaining the two storey façade at 17 Oxford Street.

The proposed development includes construction of a seven storey mixed-use building over three basement levels comprising:

  • 44 apartments (including 14 in-fill affordable housing apartments)
  • cultural and creative uses (including cinema/bar) and retail uses
  • basement parking for 50 cars with vehicular access from Verona Street
  • rooftop and ground level communal open spaces
  • construction of a three-storey residential terrace building with four apartments and rooftop private open spaces
  • associated works including site preparation, tree removal, landscaping and infrastructure works.

The application was lodged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) late in 2025. An exhibition and submission period was open until January 19th 2026 to allow any individual or organisation to have their say about the proposed development.

A number of submissions were received and the submission period has now closed. The Paddington Society lodged a submission with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces regarding the proposal. The Society acknowledges some positive aspects of the redevelopment, including the reinstatement of cinemas and opportunities to enhance the contribution of the site to the local streetscape. At the same time, the Society has identified a number of areas of concern and we believe that the apartment façade design is over scaled and should be modified relative to that of 1 Oxford Street

Areas of concern include accessibility to the theatres, proposed car parking volumes and excavation, the reduction in affordable housing and the scale and height of the development. The 7-8 storeys proposed is too high in the Heritage Conservation area and in the streetscape of Oxford Street. Nearby institutional buildings on more prominent corners. (St Vincents Hospital and Notre Dame University) are only 5-6 storeys high, while the building to the east across Verona Street is only 4 storeys high.

Our submission also emphasises the importance of achieving a sensitive balance between renewal, public benefit, heritage protection, and neighbourhood amenity. It expresses appreciation for the positive elements of the proposal while encouraging careful assessment of these matters to help deliver a well-considered and positive planning outcome.

The submissions will now be considered as part of the formal assessment of the proposal by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The Department has also asked the Applicant to prepare a response to the issues raised. The Paddington Society will continue to monitor the progress of the application and will provide further updates as information becomes available, particularly as the proposal moves through the assessment and determination process.