Bondi Pavilion atrium works progressing

13 September 2021

Waverley Council has achieved another major milestone in the Bondi Conservation and Restoration Project with completion in the coming days of the building’s dramatic new atrium.

The atrium has been transformed from a simple courtyard with a Perspex roof to a sunlit space with an elevated glass roof and architect-designed sculptural concrete columns.

The Council’s restoration and conservation of Bondi Pavilion is progressing with restoration works due for completion at the beginning of next year and take into account current impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on construction in Greater Sydney.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the atrium, located in the heart of the heritage building, will continue to serve as a space of orientation where visitors gather and connect.

“Our head contractor Buildcorp and architect Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG) have done an incredible job breathing new life into the atrium and celebrating the heritage elements of this most important space,” Mayor Masselos said.

“To see the centre of the Pavilion take shape fills us with excitement for when we can welcome residents and visitors back to the building which Council is restoring as a cultural hub of the future.”

TZG architects and the Buildcorp team inspecting the finish of the precast concrete column and wishbone prototypes at the concrete manufacturers to ensure columns were as seamless as the design intent. Image: TZG and Buildcorp

Buildcorp Managing Director, Tony Sukkar AM, said: “Considerable planning and prototyping was involved to restore heritage elements and achieve the design vision for the seamless precast concrete columns that feature in the new atrium”.

“The atrium roofing also includes glulam timber beams which support a large glazed skylight, bringing sustainability benefits and allowing natural sunlight and ventilation,” Mr Sukkar said.

Wolfgang Ripberger from TZG said: “The new atrium will bathe the centre of the building with natural light and provide significant ventilation for the comfort of visitors.”

Peter Tonkin from TZG said: “Bondi Pavilion is a centre of community life, home to a vibrant mix of cultural, community, recreation and commercial use that will be nurtured and expanded through this sensitive upgrade.”

The restored Bondi Pavilion will make a big impact on the built landscape at Australia's famous beach. Image: TZG.

Situated right on Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Pavilion has a colourful history dating back to 1928 when the Pavilion was known as the "Playground of the Pacific". People bathed in the Turkish baths, danced in the ballroom and met for all sorts of activities including festivals and exhibitions.

The Council’s restoration includes:

• a spacious new art gallery
• flexible cultural spaces housed within a new ‘Bondi Story Room’
• a community radio station
• two dining venues (a restaurant and a café)
• larger Pottery Studio including a second kiln
• new toilets, showers and a family and accessible bathroom and change space
• expansive refurbishments and upgrade to all the Pavilion’s unique existing rooms
• landscaped internal courtyard spaces
• new grand entrance to the north and creating additional east-west connections through the Pavilion
• better connection from Campbell Parade to the beachfront

For more information, or to register for project updates, visit: https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/building/major_projects/buildings_and_facilities/bondi_pavilion_restoration_and_conservation_project

-ENDS-

Media Enquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532