Bondi Icebergs owner talks new design plans amid backlash from residents

The owner of Bondi’s iconic Icebergs has hit back at criticism from local residents who claim the $1.3 million upgrade will turn the restaurant into a “nightclub”. See the new plans.

Fresh changes have been unveiled for plans to revamp the iconic Bondi Icebergs restaurant.

The glamorous beachside venue, which boasts panoramic views of Bondi Beach, has been closed since May for extensive renovations that will upgrade its public areas, revamp the outdoor terrace and expand the 20-year-old kitchen.

The new proposal includes adding a charcoal oven to be an expanded kitchen, along with a new, sleeker internal layout and changes to the facade to reduce the overall bulk of the building into neighbouring Notts Ave.

“This will present a refined appearance to Notts Avenue, with no discernible changes to the appearance from the water,” the new proposal states.

The renovations of the iconic Bondi Icebergs have been in the works since 2020. Image: Waverley Council papers.

The amended plans follow pushback from residents and Waverley Council officers over the bulk of the new building and extended opening hours for loud music to be played on the terrace.

An initial proposal several years ago was withdrawn by restaurateur and Icebergs owner Maurice Terzini, who pitched revised plans early last year.

Bondi Icebergs is the crown jewel of South Bondi and sits above the Bondi Baths.

Plans stated the renovations would “revitalise” the Notts Ave frontage of the restaurant and complement work undertaken by council on the cul-de-sac road.

The overhaul would expand the 20-year-old kitchen, and revamp the dining room and terrace. Image: Waverley Council papers.

“The proposal will enhance the presentation of the building to the council‘s upgraded public domain,” planning documents read.

The development was first lodged with Waverley Council in 2020 but initially faced backlash over fears the restaurant and bar would be transformed into a nightclub.

The application called for permission to play “amplified music” and consume alcohol on the terrace – both of which were dropped in last year’s approved proposal.

The outdoor terrace will be enclosed to protect from the elements. Image: Waverley Council papers.

Image: Waverley Council papers.

Mr Terzini told the Wentworth Courier all feedback from council and the community had been integrated in the final design.

“We had a few objections, but that’s always to be expected” Mr Terzini said.

“We’ve always been a very community-focused restaurant,” he said, adding the Icebergs “has played an enormous role from a tourist point of view and a value point of view” in Bondi’s ascent as lifestyle and food destination.

The $1.3 million plan is set to enclose the terrace, which will boast a new bar and toilets, and allow the already approved number of 60 patrons to use it until 10pm in the absence of alcohol while enjoying “background music”.

Bondi Icebergs exterior facade will be redesigned. Image: Waverley Council papers.

Artist impressions of the renovated Bondi Icebergs. Image: Waverley Council papers.

Guests have previously been allowed on the terrace until 8pm during daylight savings and 6pm for the rest of the year but can remain inside the restaurant until midnight.

The overall capacity of the restaurant, which stands at 250 people, will remain unchanged.

Icebergs Dining Room and Bar has been operating since 2002 and regularly hosts star-studded events including fashion week shows and international celebrity events.

Mr Terzini said he was excited to get his team back into the kitchen and see the venue come back to life.

“Serving people again; I think that’s the most important thing that we’re really looking forward to.”

He said recent rains have hampered construction but was confident the dining room and bar will reopen in November 2022.