Burleigh Pavilion: Shock redevelopment plans for Goodwin Terrace

The operators of Burleigh Pavilion want the green light to redevelop the landmark’s interior, with some huge changes in store. SEE THE FIRST PICTURES

The operators of Burleigh Pavilion want the green light to redevelop the landmark’s interior to create a new restaurant and transform its swimming pool deck.

Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May’s has lodged plans with Gold Coast City Council for the multimillion-dollar fit-out, which will reshape the busy hospitality spot.

Artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of Burleigh Pavilion. Picture: Supplied

New features include:

* A new restaurant on the northeastern side, lower ground-level area which will have an outdoor terrace.

* The redevelopment of the existing swimming pool and gym to create a “health and wellness retreat” which will have a giant sauna, steam room and recovery pool, as well as a yoga and pilates studio which will host classes.

* A new entrance on the Goodwin Terrace side of the building.

The gym and pools would be open daily from 5am to midnight, while the restaurant would operate from 6am to midnight.

Artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of Burleigh Pavilion. Picture: Supplied

Under the plans, two of the three existing indoor swimming pools would be removed to make way for the yoga studio and restaurant.

A planning report lodged with the council said most of the proposed changes would be internal.

Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May in the pool area. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The remaining existing swimming pool will be reconfigured and be operated in association with the other proposed indoor sport and recreation use on the lower ground-floor level, comprising a wellness retreat,” the report reads.

“The external facades of the building are to remain largely unchanged, with internal changes and a facade change to the northeast corner of the premises being proposed

Artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of Burleigh Pavilion. Picture: Supplied

“A section of the existing wall on the lower ground level along the northeast facade of the building, will be removed and replaced with a low wall/parapet, allowing part of the lower ground level to be converted to an undercover outdoor terrace, connecting to the proposed food and drink outlet via bi-fold doors.”

Mr May, in a 2022 interview, said he had big plans for the pool area.

“Contrary to some people’s belief, the pool is not a community asset but is owned by the state government … and I have the commercial lease. That makes it a full business asset,” he said.

Artist impression of the proposed redevelopment of Burleigh Pavilion. Picture: Supplied

“But what we’re doing here now is going way beyond your average pool. We are really excited and people are going to love it.

“It’s going to be next-level.”

It follows public outcry over the departure of beloved coffee shop Nook which was forced to move out when its lease was not renewed.

The pools in the building’s lower levels were originally known as the Burleigh Baths were built in 1954 as an open air ocean water swimming pool.

It was operated by Jack Evans, better known for his porpoise pool attraction at Tweed Heads.

In 1987 the ocean pool was redeveloped to become a smaller indoor swimming pool.

It was later operated by the Rackley Swimming School.

Originally published as Burleigh Pavilion: Shock redevelopment plans for Goodwin Terrace