Redcliffe residents are not giving up on the iconic Suttons Beach Pavillion amidst reports that an engineering firm was awarded $363,000 to investigate the building’s structural integrity for potential redevelopment.
Covey Associates has received a tender for the social venue’s investigative work after it was previously marked for demolition due to its age. The engineering firm is expected to take 26 weeks to determine whether the pavilion should be refurbished or completely demolished.
In February 2022, Suttons Beach Pavillion closed permanently upon the orders of the landlords and Moreton Bay Council. Residents, however, contested the orders because there was no public consultation about the demolition plans.
Up until then, the site has remained a popular venue for dining and celebrations and was even open to welcome visitors, albeit within the safety guidelines, at the height of the pandemic restrictions. More than 14,000 have signed the petition to stop the demolition, prompting the Council to reconsider other options. Another in-paper petition with over 23,000 signatures was also submitted to the Council.
For many Redcliffe residents, the pavilion is the heart and soul of the community thus it is worth saving.
In May 2022, Mayor Peter Flannery entered into an agreement with the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club to move into the property, if Covey Associates finds that the building can be restored.
“One of the options being considered is the development of a refurbished/new community focused building along the lines of the intent of the original 1930s Pavilion. This could include public toilets, showers and change rooms, a cafĂ©/kiosk and potentially a bistro with some space for public gatherings/events.
“The Council and the Club agree in principle that there is significant merit in exploring the potential for the Club to occupy and manage a refurbished/new Suttons Beach Pavilion. As a community not-for-profit organisation, the Club sees significant potential benefits for its members and the broader community in providing a range of surf club facilities including casual public dining.”
If it’s restored, the next step is to fund the construction project. Federal MP Luke Howarth said $5 million should be set aside for the project in the upcoming budget and he will work this out with the government.
Constructed in 1937, the art deco pavilion had its last refurbishment in early 2000, which Council said significantly altered the building’s integrity. Apparently, previous tenants of the site didn’t conduct regular maintenance.