Controversial Bondi Pavilion redevelopment plan to go ahead

A motion to overturn a decision by Waverley Council to redevelop the historic Bondi Pavilion has failed meaning that the Council will now go ahead with a formal development application for the $38 million upgrade.

However, those opposing the move claimed that the plan to turn the first floor of the local landmark into cafes and restaurants will lead to a loss of community space.

 Waverly Mayor Sally Betts said a motion to stop the redevelopment was lodged too late, stating that it was “a completely political campaign.”

Mayor Betts stated “we need to make this a building we can be proud of and visitors from all over the world can be proud of."

In mid-April Waverley Council voted 7-5 to proceed with a $38 million makeover of the Bondi Beach property, including a redeveloped grand entrance and atrium, a new 200-seat theatre, expanded community areas and space for restaurants and cafes.

The new theatre will be designed for drama, music, film and other performances. It will include a range of high quality new technical equipment, including fly bars or mesh grid system for lighting and rigging, motorised lighting trusses, functional bio box and extensive AV patching, drop down screen and high quality film projection and sound, and a sprung floor.

Other benefits of the project include additional new toilets, more lockers, a new visitor information centre, and sheltered courtyard gardens.

More than 700 submissions were received by the council after it invited public comment in December.

A council report said many submissions raised concerns about the "commercialisation" of the site and the loss of community access and facilities, including music studios and pottery programs.

First proposed in 2013, the cost of the upgrade has grown considerably from its original $10 million project cost.

Councillors who opposed the plan also spoke about the lack of information and the unresolved funding issues.

Image: Artist's impressions of the upgraded Bondi Pavilion. (Courtesy of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects).

18th March 2015 - SYDNEY LANDMARK THE BONDI PAVILION TO GET A $10 MILLION MAKEOVER

30th September 2014 - WAVERLEY COUNCIL ADVANCES BONDI BEACH MAKEOVER, OPENS NEW OUTDOOR GYM

9th July 2014 - PRIAVA LEADS WAVERLEY COUNCIL VENUES INTO THE CLOUD

1st May 2013 - WAVERLEY COUNCIL UNVEILS PLANS FOR BONDI BEACH MAKEOVER