Sydney’s Waverley Council has unveiled Tonkin Zulaikha Greer’s design for a $38 million renovation of the heritage-listed Bondi Pavilion, a place that “marked the establishment of Australian beach culture.”
The project will include pedestrianizing an existing car park and restoring the original grand entrance on Campbell Parade.
“This building is a precious heritage landmark, and the project will conserve and reinstate so much of its heritage character,” said Peter Tonkin, a director of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.
The Bondi Pavilion, built in 1929, was designed by Robertson and Marks, which won a design competition in 1928. The NSW heritage register describes the building as “a fine example of Inter-War Mediterranean style,” noting that “its construction marked the establishment of Australian beach culture.”
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer’s design proposes to reinstate its original heritage character. “We want to open the building to the beach and remove some of the unpleasant tack-ons, and poorly used areas that do nothing for the beachgoers,” Tonkin told the Wentworth Courier.
The proposed upgrade will feature double the amount of exhibition spaces, two outdoor amphitheatres for events, one of which will be reinstated from the existing carpark, as well as flexible spaces on the first floor for cafes, restaurants and function rooms.
The upgrade of the Bondi Pavilion by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer will feature a new addition in the western courtyard with a wavy facade.
Image: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
There will also be a contemporary addition located in the western courtyard. This will be clad in a reflective, wavy facade that will evoke the feeling of the beach. The addition will house a flexible theatre space that will feature retractable seating for 200 people as well as music studios. The reflective material of the facade is also designed to withstand the windy, sandy conditions and guard against dirt and marks on its surface.
Mayor of Waverley Sally Betts said, “This design concept provides us with an amazing opportunity to restore the Pavilion to its architectural roots whilst reconnecting it with the beach, park and Campbell Parade.”
Waverley Council announced an expressions of interest for the renovation of Bondi Pavilion in March 2015 and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer was appointed in July. The concept design will be available for public consultation from 18 December 2015 to 14 February 2016.
