Suttons Beach Pavilion Archives

From Demolished Landmark to Bay Icon: Here’s What’s Coming to Suttons Beach Pavilion

Construction is now well underway on the $19.5 million Suttons Beach Pavilion, and with bulldozers on site and a 2027 opening date locked in, Redcliffe locals are finally getting a clearer picture of what to expect when the dust settles.

Read: Sod Turned on Redevelopment of Suttons Beach Pavilion

A Building That Earns Its Spot on the Bay

The centrepiece of the development is a striking two-storey coastal structure designed to make the most of its prime beachfront position. The design was selected through a national competition endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects, and takes cues from the curved forms of the original art deco pavilion that once stood on the site. Think open decks, breezy walkways, a sleek foreshore profile, and a rooftop platform with views stretching across Moreton Bay.

One of the more distinctive design elements is the “reverse rotunda,” an open central space conceived for meeting, hanging out, and enjoying unobstructed water views.

The 1998 rotunda will be relocated to provide shaded seating rather than being removed from the site entirely. Even the bricks from the old demolished pavilion will be reused in the landscaping, a deliberate link to what came before.

Dining Is Back on the Foreshore

One of the most anticipated elements of the new build is the return of ocean-facing dining to the foreshore. The new pavilion will include multiple indoor and outdoor food and beverage tenancies, with the dynamic mix to be determined through a separate tender process. In practice, that means a range of dining and drinking options, from casual fish and chips overlooking the sand to fresh Moreton Bay seafood and more upmarket offerings.

The return of ocean-facing dining is one of the project’s most anticipated outcomes.

More Than Just a Restaurant Precinct

The pavilion is about more than just somewhere to eat and drink. The broader development includes extensive landscaping designed to connect the building with the surrounding parkland, new public changing rooms and showers for beachgoers, and expanded shade structures. Shaded colonnades will link the precinct to the park, and landscaped spaces are planned with markets and community events in mind.

The adjacent car park is also in line for upgrades, and accessible public amenities are included in the scope, infrastructure designed to support both everyday beachgoers and larger community events.

A New Era for Suttons Beach

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said it was exciting to see work under way. “It’s fantastic that construction has begun on this highly anticipated project that will return the site to an iconic destination the community can enjoy for generations to come,” he said. “With a vibrant hospitality scene and stunning beachfront location, the new Suttons Beach Pavilion will be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.”

Read: Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

Beachfront developments of this scale are rare, and the project has been deliberately designed to make the most of the site’s natural advantages. The project is backed by funding from all three levels of authority, council, state and federal, reflecting the development’s significance as a long-term investment in the region.

With a 2027 opening on the horizon, for a community that has long waited for this stretch of foreshore to be restored, construction starting is the clearest sign yet that the wait is nearly over.

Published 4-March-2026

Sod Turned on Redevelopment of Suttons Beach Pavilion

Construction on the new Suttons Beach Pavilion is officially underway, and for the Redcliffe community, it’s a moment worth celebrating.

Read: Multimillion-Dollar Transformation Secured for Suttons Beach Foreshore

On Friday, 27 February, a sod-turn ceremony at 50 Marine Parade marks the start of works on a project set to transform one of the peninsula’s most cherished foreshore sites into a modern, multifunctional destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Project

The project will deliver a brand new pavilion building on the Suttons Beach foreshore, replacing the previous structure that had reached the end of its useful life. Recent investigations confirmed the old building, a function centre originally constructed in 2002, no longer meets modern building standards. Renovation was ruled out after it became clear the remediation works required to bring it up to compliance would be neither practical nor cost-effective.

Suttons Beach Pavilion — Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay

The new pavilion is designed with both community use and hospitality in mind. It will feature three separate hospitality spaces, including a rooftop venue complete with a public deck and dedicated event space.

Ample indoor dining and outdoor seating options will cater to everything from a casual coffee to a waterfront function, all designed with Queensland’s sub-tropical climate firmly in mind. A lift and staircase will connect both levels, and improved accessibility will extend throughout the car park, pavilion and surrounding parklands.

Public amenities are also getting a serious upgrade. The redevelopment includes new accessible toilets and showers, as well as a Changing Places facility, an important inclusion for community members with high support needs. Outside, the landscaping plan features native plantings, new shade structures, an upgraded car park, and a circular seating area that can flex for everyday use or community events.

Funding of $12.1 million was secured in November 2024 through the Liveability Fund under the South East Queensland City Deal. The construction tender was awarded in November 2025, and with works now officially underway, completion is expected by mid-2027, weather permitting. Locals keen to see food and beverage tenants move in will need to wait just a little longer — operators are expected to be on site in the latter half of 2027, subject to the outcome of a separate tender process.

A Site With History

For all the excitement around what’s coming, it’s worth pausing on what’s been.

The original pavilion, a bathing pavilion and kiosk for beachgoers, was built in 1937, and the site has changed shape many times since. The rotunda was added in 1998, and the most recent redevelopment took place in 2002. Through all of it, the foreshore has remained a constant in local life: somewhere to swim, somewhere to eat, somewhere to just be.

Read: Suttons Beach Rotunda to be Relocated in Major Upgrade

The new development is designed to honour the site’s history while meeting the needs of the community well into the future.

Published 27-February-2026

Suttons Beach Pavilion Redevelopment Progresses in Redcliffe

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

A major redevelopment project in Redcliffe is progressing under the City of Moreton Bay’s 2025–26 budget, with $14.5 million allocated to upgrade the Suttons Beach Pavilion.

Pavilion History and Project Origins

Suttons Beach Park has long served as a community hub on the Redcliffe foreshore. In late 2023, City of Moreton Bay initiated a national design competition to shape a new vision for the area. Lahznimmo Architects, in collaboration with Plummer & Smith, was selected to deliver a refreshed, accessible pavilion precinct, following demolition works and community consultation.

Redevelopment Scope and Funding

The redevelopment of the Suttons Beach Pavilion is backed by $14.5 million in funding spread across two years. The project includes multiple hospitality venues, public amenities, rooftop and event spaces, and improved accessibility throughout the site. The City of Moreton Bay is co-funding the project in partnership with the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund. A development application was lodged in December 2024, and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025.

City of Moreton Bay budget — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

Infrastructure Rollout Includes Redcliffe Upgrades

While some allocations are city-wide, several infrastructure and service improvements include direct benefits to Redcliffe and surrounding Division 6 suburbs. Works planned for Redcliffe and surrounding suburbs cover a separated cycle path along the Woody Point foreshore, new shelter and amenity upgrades at Margate Beach Park, and seawall replacements at both Charlish Park and Crockatt Park. Drainage upgrades are also scheduled for the Cox Street catchment in Margate.

Project Timing and Contractors

Design development began in mid-2024 and remains ongoing, with refinements focused on structural elements, civil works, stormwater considerations and materials. Council called for tenders from food and beverage providers in May 2025. The tender process for the building contractor closed on 21 May 2025.

Funding Support and Broader Budget Context

The broader 2025–26 budget, adopted on 13 June 2025, marks Moreton Bay’s first $1 billion budget. The capital works program, valued near $400 million, supports population growth and infrastructure demands across the region. Redcliffe’s pavilion project is included in this rollout, with funding contributions from both council and external government programs, including the SEQ City Deal.

Next Steps

Progress continues on the Suttons Beach Pavilion redevelopment in Redcliffe, with design refinement underway and construction anticipated to begin in late 2025. The upgrade forms part of a wider effort to support growing coastal communities in Moreton Bay through infrastructure renewal and amenity enhancements.

Published 18-June-2025

Suttons Beach Rotunda to be Relocated in Major Upgrade

Photo Credit: Suttons Beach Public Space Project

The iconic Suttons Beach foreshore in Redcliffe will undergo a major transformation, with plans to relocate the historic rotunda and build a multi-purpose pavilion aimed at revitalising the area for community use.

While the 86-year-old former pavilion has been demolished due to safety concerns, the much-loved rotunda will be preserved and relocated along the foreshore. This move ensures that the structure, originally built in 1998, remains a central feature of the area, providing shaded seating and preserving a connection to the site’s history.

New Pavilion to Enhance Community Spaces

The redevelopment will introduce a multi-purpose pavilion featuring three hospitality spaces, indoor and outdoor dining, a rooftop deck, and public viewing areas. The design, selected through a competitive process involving lahznimmo architects and Plummer & Smith, prioritises accessibility and functionality. Features such as shaded outdoor seating, enhanced airflow, and landscaped areas with native plants will cater to the local sub-tropical climate.

The relocated rotunda will complement these upgrades, providing a nod to the site’s heritage while embracing modern design. Officials have highlighted the relocation as a way to preserve the community’s connection to the space while making it more accessible and functional for future generations.

Suttons Beach rotunda — *Photo Credit: Suttons Beach Public Space Project*

Investment in Community and Tourism

The redevelopment is backed by $12.1 million from the SEQ Liveability Fund and an additional $7.4 million from the City of Moreton Bay.

Mr Peter Flannery said the project balances modern architectural elements with respect for the area’s coastal environment and community needs. The official noted that the rotunda’s relocation reflects the council’s commitment to preserving Suttons Beach’s unique identity.

Queensland officials said the project would boost local tourism and create new employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth in the region. The redeveloped pavilion is recognised as a key investment in South East Queensland’s seaside infrastructure.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The City of Moreton Bay has submitted a development application for the Suttons Beach Pavilion project.

The council will work with architects to finalise the pavilion’s design by mid-2024, with demolition of remaining structures and interim landscaping scheduled for completion in the same period. Construction is expected to start in mid-2025 and take approximately 12 months.

Once completed, the Suttons Beach site will combine historical preservation with modern amenities, offering locals and visitors a vibrant, accessible space to enjoy for generations.

Published 26-Dec-2024

Mixed Reactions to Suttons Beach Pavilion Rebuild Plans

Concept designs for the new Suttons Beach Pavilion have drawn mixed reactions from residents, with some locals calling for the community to have the deciding vote.

Design Competition and Selection

Because of the need to replace the iconic pavilion, which was beyond repair and subsequently demolished, a competition was held, run by professional advisors CityLab and endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects.

The competition attracted 116 registrations of interest. Initially, 25 stage one entries were considered, then narrowed down to a shortlist of three.

The winning design, by lahznimmo architects with Plummer & Smith, was selected unanimously by a panel of five experts, including Queensland Government Architect Leah Lang.

Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his excitement about the winning design, highlighting its potential to provide residents and visitors with a thoughtfully designed multi-purpose building and a refreshed park area for future generations.

Ms Lang praised the design for its deep understanding of the site’s historical and cultural significance. She noted that the design integrates these elements into its architecture and landscaping, creating a space that bolsters commercial viability, accessibility, social connections, and a versatile landscape for everyday activities and events.

lahznimmo architects’ Director Annabel Lahz shared that her team aimed to create a contemporary pavilion that acknowledges the history of Suttons Beach without merely replicating the original. The design includes various features aimed at enhancing the community space, such as indoor dining, outdoor seating, public amenities, and areas for events or art installations.

Community Reactions

Despite the expert approval, the Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group, which had opposed the demolition, gave the new design qualified support.

A spokesperson from the group described the new concept as a “good start” but expressed disappointment over the lack of more prominent art deco features. He emphasised the importance of capturing the pavilion’s past while meeting modern needs and maintaining economic viability for businesses in the area.

Public reactions on social media have been varied. One local suggested that designs should be put forward for the people to decide, a sentiment echoed by her neighbours, who stated that the Council needs to listen to the community and develop a design that truly reflects the spirit of Suttons Beach.

Another resident appreciated the beachy and summery concept, likening it to Palm Springs, and praised the covered walkway extension. In contrast, yet another resident criticised the design, calling it terrible and expressing hope that it would improve with the addition of trees.

Some community members likewise raised concerns about the lack of shelter for hot summer days and lamented the design’s failure to pay tribute to the original structure. Others suggested a design more akin to an island village and found the lack of an art deco look and sun protection disappointing.

However, another individual found the design stunning, calling it the facelift Redcliffe needs.

Project Background and Funding

The former Suttons Beach Pavilion, which first opened in the 1930s as change rooms and a kiosk, was an iconic landmark on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

However, it was not heritage-listed and had been expanded and sections rebuilt over the decades. Major building defects and concerns led to its demolition, costing $1.94 million. The overall project, including demolition and rebuild, is estimated at $19 million, with $11.33 million secured from the SEQ Liveability Fund.

Council investigations in January 2022 revealed the extent of the building defects, leading to the decision to demolish the structures. This decision prompted a grassroots community campaign lobbying the council to restore or rebuild the pavilion.

Mayor Peter Flannery expressed his excitement about the progress around the new mixed-use facility at Suttons Beach and emphasized the importance of revitalising the area.

Cr Karl Winchester described the project as a unique opportunity to return this iconic destination to community use and allow a new generation to enjoy it anew. Council is looking forward to engaging the successful candidates to deliver more detailed building designs for this beloved foreshore location.

As demolition concludes and design development progresses, the community awaits the final version of the new Suttons Beach Pavilion, hoping it will balance modern needs with historical significance.

Published 20-June-2024

‘Liveability Fund’ Backs Suttons Beach Pavilion and Key Community Projects

The Suttons Beach Pavilion in Redcliffe will undergo a comprehensive $19 million redevelopment funded through the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund.

Read: Suttons Beach Pavilion to Get a New Look with National Architectural Design Competition

The Suttons Pavilion overhaul involves full demolition and rebuilding of the outdated facilities. Out of the total $19 million cost, around $11.33 million will come from the Liveability Fund, with Council and the State Government making up the balance.

The project headlines five key community upgrades approved under the Liveability Fund worth $45.53 million.

Photo credit: Suttons Beach Pavilion/Google Maps

The overhaul will transform the outdated pavilion into an attractive, functional community venue to serve Redcliffe residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, other projects backed by the deal include new recreational spaces at Centenary Lakes, active transport improvements connecting Bongaree and Woorim on Bribie Island, and public amenity upgrades at The Mill precinct in Petrie.

The Mill (Photo credit: Abu Sayeed/Google Maps)

Centenary Lakes will receive almost $20 million for an all-abilities playground and zero-depth splash park, along with active transport upgrades at Morayfield Road and a new shared pathway along Esme Ave, as part of the Centenary Lakes Activation.

Bribie Island locals and visitors will benefit from a range of projects connecting the west and eastern sides of the island, including upgrades to the Bongaree Jetty, on-road cycle lanes, a footpath upgrade, as well as an accessible changing places facility at Woorim. The Mill precinct at Petrie will be upgraded to include new paths and toilets, along with landscaping and carparking.

Council states the package will create a long-term legacy benefiting current and future generations across Moreton Bay’s rapidly growing population. The SEQ City Deal allows a coordinated approach between different levels of government to deliver key upgrades like these.

A council spokeswoman said the funding, together with a $15 million investment by Council, will enhance lifestyle amenities for residents and visitors. She stated that as the Moreton Bay area continues rapid growth, these projects will help retain liveability, affordability and prosperity.

Bongaree Jetty (Photo credit: Christine Meredith/Google Maps)

Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said the SEQ Liveability Fund will give communities like Moreton Bay the opportunity to create better places to live through access to more open spaces, infrastructure that complements new housing or projects that support health and wellbeing.

“It’s great to see councils’ responses to this opportunity to boost local community and sport engagement in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

Read: Proposed Project Looks to Revive Abandoned Frawley’s Tennis Club Site

The Southeast Queensland Liveability Fund is an integral initiative under the larger $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal agreement made between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors for the region to collectively finance development projects.

Published 19-February-2024

Suttons Beach Pavilion To Be Torn Down And Replaced

Suttons Beach Pavilion has played host to countless weddings and parties for decades, but did you know that this iconic, art deco-style building will likely be demolished following the release of an independent report suggesting that its renovation would be impractical?

Read: Engineering Firm Tasked to Investigate Structural Integrity of the Iconic Suttons Beach Pavilion

A structural investigation report prepared by independent experts Covey Associates revealed that repairing the pavilion would be inappropriate due to the “significant remediation and rectification works required to meet current building compliance and serviceability.”

Both the Pavilions 1 and 2 had a history of water ingress issues, which means it will require extensive removal of the building’s structural elements to facilitate the access necessary to complete the repairs.

The 600-page report also highlighted that there’s “no guarantee of extended durability and residual life” if the renovations are carried out.

Moreton Bay Regional Council will be looking at options for replacing the building, which will be discussed in a meeting in April 2023.

As early as now, there are already some suggestions from the community including a new structure reflecting the original 1930s but with a restaurant or food outlet. There have also been calls to retain the rotunda which was used as backdrop for many weddings over the years.

“It is expected that after these options are presented the public will have their opportunity to help determine what new structure will replace the Pavilion for future generations to appreciate and enjoy, back to its roots as a true community use facility for all residents of our region to enjoy equally and fairly for decades to come,” said Councillor Mark Booth.

History of the Suttons Beach Pavilion

The original pavilion, which consisted of a bathing pavilion and kiosk for beachgoers, was built in 1934. The pavilion was designed by architect George Brockwell Gill.

The former Redcliffe Town Council opened a new two-storey pavilion on the site in 1937, based on the design of architect Clifford E. Plant. Mr Plant also owned a property in Redcliffe, which allowed him to personally oversee its construction.

Significant alterations were done over time, including the addition of a rotunda in 1998. The current pavilion, which served as a function centre was constructed in 2002.

Suttons Beach Pavilion was acquired by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2006. An assessment done in 2018 revealed that very little of the original pavilion survived over time.

Read: Moreton Bay Reclassification From Region to City Now Under Review

According to the Council, what people see today, which is the faux art deco style, is not a true reflection of the original build form, but how it’s used when the building was extended and modified.

To read more about the testing and findings, visit Council’s website.

Published 8-March-2023

What’s Happening in Redcliffe This Weekend

Somewhere to spend the weekends with family and friends? Here are some of the events that will be happening in Redcliffe this weekend.

Friday, 11 August

Picnic Hill Festival

Tickets: FREE (Gold Coin Donation)

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Venue: Picnic Hill

The Picnic Hill is on again this month. There will be a new set of food trucks, street foods, and market stalls. The festival will also feature craft beers, live music, and entertainment.

Picnic Hill Festival is an event for the family to enjoy QT together. BYO favourite picnic rug this Friday.

Friday, 11 August

Children’s Cooking Class

Tickets: $45

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Venue: Shields St Eats

Let your kids learn how to cook. This weekend, Cooking with Ada will hold another cooking class. Children will learn the basics of preparing pizza and pasta, as well as learning how to decorate a cupcake.

Children under 10 years of age are required to have a guardian.

Sunday, 13 August

Movie Night

Tickets: FREE

Time: The movie will starts after sunset.

Venue: Suttons Beach Pavilion

Photo credit: Suttons Beach Pavilion/Facebook

The Suttons Beach Pavilion will hold another movie screening. The movie “Moana” will be shown on their big outdoor screen by the beach.

BYO chairs and picnic blankets. Settle in early to secure a space for the whole family.

13 August

Family Fun Day

Ticket: FREE

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Venue: 132 Sutton Street, Redcliffe

Photo credit: Seaside Pop Up Shops/Facebook

Bring your family, friends, and furry friends at the Seaside Pop Up Shops this weekend for the Family Fun Day.

There will be market stalls, food trucks, face painting, fairy floss, and a jumping castle.