New Council, new approach to Bondi Pavilion upgrade

MEDIA RELEASE

At the first Ordinary Council Meeting since the Mayoral election, Council voted to support a new direction for the Bondi Pavilion Upgrade and Conservation project.

The most significant of the motions presented to Council last night was the establishment of a Bondi Pavilion Stakeholder Committee, as well as calling for a review of the project to date.

Mayor Wakefield made it clear that his intention is to transparently and openly consult with the community to make the Bondi Pavilion refurbishment and upgrade happen.

“This new chapter will see the creation of the Bondi Pavilion Stakeholder Committee which will comprise of a total of 12 members - seven appointed following an Expression of Interest campaign plus one delegate from the Bondi Beach Precinct, one delegate from the Friends of Bondi Pavilion and three Bondi Ward Councillors.

“This group will be tasked with prioritising the required and desired uses of the Pavilion and the artistic direction of the Pavilion in the future. It’s expected that membership of the group will be confirmed in November, with a series of workshop meetings to take place over late November and early December.

“Depending on an appropriate development consent being given in time, I hope we can begin construction in the winter of 2018. Refurbishing and upgrading Bondi Pavilion in line with community wishes is one of Council’s highest priorities.” Mayor Wakefield said.

Deputy Mayor Dominic Wy Kanak said our community is feeling a sense of confidence in Council’s new approach.

“ ‘A palpable sense of hope,’ is how one resident described it after hearing the Mayor outline Councils new direction for the Pavilion at a recent Bondi Beach Precinct meeting held in the historic Bondi Pavilion Theatre.

“Our new approach will see our stakeholders directly involved in the planning process and these will be fed back to Council.

“The community’s input will not be ignored. We will get this project on track and create a world standard community and cultural centre.

“Council hopes to prepare new plans and amend the development application and this will be on the advice of the Bondi Pavilion Stakeholder.” Deputy Mayor Wy Kanak said.

“The community can be assured the Pavilion has embarked on a new direction and we will listen to what the community wants.” Mayor Wakefield said.

Members of the public wishing to be considered for the Stakeholder Committee can submit their expression of interest via haveyoursaywaverley.com.au/bondipavilion