Sydney’s Waverley Council has narrowly voted to approve the proposed $38 million redevelopment of the Bondi Pavilion designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. However, a council meeting scheduled for Saturday 30 April could overturn the decision.
The iconic, heritage-listed Bondi Pavilion was originally designed by Robertson and Marks and built in 1929. According to the NSW Heritage Register, “Its construction marked the establishment of Australian beach and leisure culture.”
The proposed redevelopment will include additional exhibition spaces and outdoor amphitheatres. The first floor of the existing building is slated for a number of commercial tenancies including cafes, restaurants and function rooms.
The redevelopment also includes a contemporary addition in the courtyard, which will house a flexible theatre space and will be clad in a reflective, wavy facade.
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
The proposal has been a subject of contention since the council released concept designs last year. The council received more than 650 submissions from the public following a period of community consultation.
The decision split Waverley councillors seven to five in a favour of the redevelopment. The ABC reported that an estimated 100 residents attended a council meeting on Tuesday 19 April, “some shouted insults” and the decision to approve the scheme drew death threats against Mayor of Waverley Sally Betts.
A council report reveals the most common concerns relate to the “increased commercialization of the Pavilion and perceived loss of community facilities.” As well, the council received 84 submissions relating to the “loss of the purpose-built music recording studio facilities.”
Waverley Council says it “has not yet decided on what happens to the first-floor space” and that the issue will be resolved later this year or next year.
With regards to the music studios, the council is yet to decide if it will be included in the upgrade of Bondi Pavilion or provided elsewhere in the local government area.
A development application expected to be submitted in the next month or two, which will be assessed by the Joint Regional Assessment Panel. As part of that process, the NSW Heritage Council will also carry out its own assessment.
Upgrade of the Bondi Pavilion by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.
Image: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
If it proceeds, the development application be on exhibition and offer further opportunity for public comment.
The council estimates construction is likely to start in May or June next year.
However, the proposed redevelopment could be axed as the council has decided to meet on Saturday morning to consider a motion to overturn the decision, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
The neighbouring Woollahra Council, which is set to merge with Waverley in the proposed council amalgamations, wrote to NSW Premier Mike Baird in fear of a grab for cash from Waverley to make up for the shortfall in funding for the redevelopment. Woollahra Council has asked to the premier to investigate whether the decision to proceed with the redevelopment contravenes local government decision making protocol during he merger process, reported Alt Media.
Waverley Council invited expressions of interest for the renovation of Bondi Pavilion in March 2015 and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer was appointed in July. The concept design was available for public consultation from 18 December 2015 to 14 February 2016.
