ARCHITECT - Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
PHOTOGRAPHY - Brett Boardman Photography
The Bondi Pavilion (Pavilion) has transformed from an outdated heritage landmark to a repurposed space that celebrates the heart of Bondi’s culture and community.
Decades of harsh beachside climate meant the almost 100-year-old Pavilion was due for a revamp. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (TZG) aimed to protect the Pavilion’s history while also giving locals and visitors a contemporary space that served as an ‘unofficial town hall’.
As the services engineer, WSP provided Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulics, Fire Protection, Fire Engineering, Civil Engineering, Security Services, AV Services, ICT and Wastewater services for the restoration and conservation of the Pavilion’s with its' internal courtyard spaces. Where the dressing sheds had been located for many decades, the space was landscaped and repurposed.
The removal of the courtyard’s old amphitheatre has created a 2667m2 courtyard large enough for 2000 people. It is now called the Garu and Guya Courtyard, using the local Dharawal name for northern and southern.
Apart from upgrading amenities within the building, our design work included rejuvenating the building internally including new air conditioning and ventilation systems, new smoke control for the theatre, new power provisions, fire safety systems, lighting, and landscape. We also hosted community workshops and carried out a Security Risk Assessment.
The refurbished space now offers numerous public facilities including change rooms and toilets, a pottery studio, community theatre, music recording spaces, production theatre, art gallery and Bondi Story rooms that share stories about the building and local history.
