Secret plans to save Bondi Pavilion set to further anger locals

IT IS the $38 million makeover that has locals and celebrities fuming, but leaked plans reveal the existence of two less commercialised options for the 90-year-old Bondi Pavilion.

Community Protestors hang a banner on Bondi Pavilion. Picture: John Appleyard

IT IS the $38 million makeover that has locals and celebrities fuming, but leaked plans reveal the existence of two less commercialised options for the 90-year-old Bondi Pavilion.

In a revelation that is set to escalate tensions between locals and the council, leaked council documents show the two other redevelopment options for the pavilion retained the music and art studios while keeping the theatre on the first floor.

The documents, leaked to the Save Bondi Pavilion action group by a council whistleblower, are set to put pressure on Waverley Mayor, Councillor Sally Betts, to explain why they were not released to the community for consultation.

Local residents show their displeasure over plans for the Bondi Pavilion. T Picture: John Appleyard

The alternate plans also do not include the controversial “glass box” room, which the Greens believe will be turned into a high-end function centre.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, who has been campaigning to stop the pavilion upgrade, said the more modest upgrade options should have been released to the community for discussion.

“While not perfect, these plans should have been publicly released,” she said.

The campaign to stop the overdevelopment of the pavilion has attracted widespread support from the Sydney acting and music community with those involved including Dave Faulkner from the Hoodoo Gurus, Michael Caton, Jack Thompson, John Olsen, Ben Lee, Jenny Morris, Sam Neill, Peter Garrett, and Michael Chugg.

The future of Bondi Pavilion has caused a division between locals and council. Picture: John Appleyard

While not opposing a renovation of the pavilion, opponents to the plan are against the relocation of the theatre to the lower floor with the loss of art and music studiossally betts.

The first floor veranda, which affords panoramic views of Bondi Beach, is expected to house a cafe or restaurant.

In defending the upgrade, Ms Betts has maintained public space would be retained while turning the ageing building into a world class tourist facility.

Save Bondi Pavilion group convener Kilty O’Brien called on the council to halt works on the building until the alternate plans had been examined.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts.

“They are much more in keeping with council’s own planning and with what the community wants,” she said.

“We call on Council to listen to their community and halt the project immediately.”

“The community have spoken — they don’t want to lose 50 per cent of their community space and see the demolition of music and art studios and the theatre, and be charged $38m for the privilege.”

Construction was expected to start mid-next year following the exhibition of a development plan, but opposition together with a proposed Green Ban is expected to delay works.