Suttons Beach Vote: What Do You Want New Building to Look Like?

Published 15 March 2023

A new building will be constructed at the popular waterfront precinct at Suttons Beach, but Council wants the community to have a say on the style of any new structure before commencing the design process.

This follows confirmation in the 600-page structural integrity report that the existing Suttons Beach Pavilion cannot feasibly be restored.

Mayor Peter Flannery said an independent expert had been engaged to undertake a Strategic Assessment and Options Analysis for the future of the site.

“We have heard the calls from our community for a new building that still allows you to grab a meal by the beach,” Mayor Flannery said.

“I’m looking forward to hearing what locals want this new building to look like. Should we adopt an Art Deco style or maybe something more contemporary and aligned with the seaside landscape? You tell us!

“Today I moved a motion in the Chamber to ensure that the design considerations for a new structure will be two-storeys, so you can better take in the magnificent ocean views.

“Council will also determine how to preserve the stairs leading down the cliff face from Marine Parade, as these have been identified as having high heritage value.

“I think it’s important to undertake community consultation about a way forward quickly, so that our community isn’t left in limbo and Council can start planning our design and construction budget for this project. 

“As promised, community input will continue to be an important part of this project as Council starts designing a building and advocating for additional external funding so we can deliver this project.

“I see this project as an opportunity to revitalise Suttons Beach Park and return it to an iconic destination for community use, that will allow a new generation to create enduring memories.”

Community consultation will be conducted from March 21 to April 16 to ensure locals have their say on the style and design of any new building.

Suttons Beach Pavilions Preservation Group (SBPPG) President Jodie Starr praised Council for getting the community’s input before proceeding.

“This is the final and probably most important hurdle in a long journey, so it’s critical that the views of locals are heard and acted upon in order for Council to get this decision right,” she said.

“We are continuing to provide input to the Council in relation to the types of options for food and drink, and we would like to see a dine-in restaurant or bar as one of those options. It’s early days in the design phase so we are still pushing for this to be included in the design criteria.

“SBPPG appreciates that there will be a range of views within the community, but we remain strongly committed to the principle that a replacement structure should be of an art deco design and aesthetic.

“We accept that we can’t save this historical and beautiful old building, but we think it would be a mistake not to celebrate Redcliffe’s heritage and uniqueness by embracing an art deco design.

“That look is in keeping with the style of other old bathing houses around the Peninsula, and it would be an investment in making this part of SEQ look and feel different to other coastal towns.

“We will also be hoping to see some of the original brickwork salvaged and repurposed on the site in recognition of the history of this site.

“We asked the Council to do their due diligence, which they have done, and it’s clear to us they have rightly taken the sentiment of our community onboard so far.”

Earlier this month, Council Released the 600-page structural integrity report into the viability of the Suttons Beach Pavilion, following independent invasive testing of the structures. 

The report concludes that the building has reached the end of its life and does not comply with modern building standards, outlining numerous, complex, and extensive defects to the building. 

It finds that due to significant water ingress and concrete decay,  the internal structural damage is so bad that even attempting rectification works would require extensive demolition of the Pavilion building to enable only partial rectification work. 

Learn more about the Suttons Beach public space project.