Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May unveils plan for swimming pool

The owner of the Burleigh Pavilion has unveiled plans for a stunning expansion to the venue, bringing back a popular feature which has been badly missed.

THE owner of Burleigh Pavilion has unveiled plans to for a community swimming pool and cafe expansion amid controversy over the popular venue’s future.

The pool area has been out of action since the new owners took over the venue more than a year ago.

Owner Ben May of May Hotels said the the revamped pool will stretch 25m and will be accompanied by a spa, showers and a new cafe and takeaway restaurant.

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The floorplans released show the extent of the upgrade. Photo: Supplied

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“We’ve come up with the concept down here for a salt water, ocean fed pool much like Icebergs in Sydney,” Mr May said.

“It will be pay per use much like it was previously. There will be a cafe breakfast and lunch offering as well.

“There’s no announcement around the hotel apart from the fact that I’m still pursuing that.”

Documents seen by the Gold Coast Bulletin today revealed 36 individuals and six body corporates had put in submissions opposing the Pavilion receiving a hotel license.

Mr May said he couldn’t understand the protests.

“I’m happy to accept restrictions on the Crown lease regarding late trading and poker machines,” he said.

“I don’t want late trading, I don’t want poker machines, I’ve made that extremely clear to certain people.

“There’s reasons I want the hotel license around security of my investment.”

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A protest banner hung from a building in Burleigh.

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The protest against the hotel license has been strongly supported by local MP Michael Hart, something Mr May said had left him baffled.

“We’ve had around 300,000 people through the doors here over the last six months and they’re pretty happy with what we’re doing here,” he said.

“As a businessman I’m allowed pursue what I choose to pursue and I’m going to pursue it.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that much of a battle, I’m prepared to compromise and I’m giving people the security they want around late trading and poker machines.

“If that isn’t enough I don’t know what there is for people to complain about.”