Burleigh Pavilion set to be granted hotel licence after council planning committee backs move

A major change looks set to go ahead at the Burleigh Pavilion after a decision announced.

THE Burleigh Pavilion is on course to operate as a hotel after councillors at a planning committee meeting backed an application for changes to its restaurant set-up.

The Pavilion, which is owned by Sydney hotelier Ben May, had asked council to approve hotel use for about 600 sqm of the upper floor level of its restaurant.

An officer’s report, supported by councillors at committee yesterday, said the proposed change in use would enable greater flexibility from a licensing perspective. Full council is expected to endorse the move next Tuesday.

The Burleigh Pavilion which is seeking a hotel licence.

“Despite the change of use, the Burleigh Beach Pavilion is to remain operating as a restaurant where the applicant has proposed no gambling areas or short term accommodation to be incorporated,” the report said.

The hours of operation would remain unchanged from 6am to 12am Monday to Sunday, but there would changes to improve waste storage.

Earlier reporting by The Bulletin highlighted bins being placed outside the premises destroying the amenity of the iconic beach location.

Area councillor Pauling Young, who attended committee, told councillors: “I believe a lot of residents who raised concerns will be pleased with this outcome.”

Burleigh Pavilion.

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Outside the meeting, committee chair Cameron Caldwell said the application for the Pavilion was for a change in use only and would see no increase in the floor plan. The pool area would remain the same.

“Importantly there were some very good improvements that were a win for the local community in that operation,” he said.

“There will be improved waste collection points, and improved waste storage in an enclosed room. I think those who frequent the area will find it to be a welcome addition. We didn’t make any decision in relation to the pool area.

“This (the change) was contained solely to a small area of the existing trading space of the Burleigh Pavilion restaurant part.”

Burleigh Pavilion Sunday session.

Cr Caldwell said the operators could move forward to Liquor Licensing to seek a liquor permit for a hotel use.

“It doesn’t change the hours’ operation. It just means alcohol could be served without any food being served with it. We have been very strong in making sure there is no accommodation and no pokies provided in that building,” he said.