FAQs
How has community feedback informed the concept design?
Initial community engagement took place between April and May 2022 to understand how the space could be improved to meet future needs. Over 250 participants shared their ideas and feedback. You can find out more about what we heard in the Consultation Summary.
Further targeted engagement with key stakeholders occurred throughout 2023 to 2025 to understand use, needs and space requirements.
What other factors have been considered in the concept design?
The concept design considers several key factors, including heritage requirements under the Sutherland Shire LEP 2015, the site’s coastal location and environmental conditions, the existing building’s condition and structural limitations, accessibility needs, and available utility services and infrastructure. These considerations will continue to be reviewed and refined during the detailed design stage and throughout the approvals process.
Will the Gunnamatta Pavilion be demolished?
No, the Gunnamatta Pavilion will not be demolished.
What is the heritage status of the Gunnamatta Pavilion and what does this mean?
The Gunnamatta Pavilion is listed as having local heritage significance under Gunnamatta Park in the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2015. This recognises the important value the park and Pavilion hold for the community.
As a result, the project must respond to specific heritage considerations. A heritage consultant is part of the project design team to ensure that any proposed changes are appropriate, sensitive, and aligned with heritage requirements.
How are the original heritage features of the building planned to be restored?
We plan to carefully restore the original art deco character of the Pavilion by removing later additions to reinstate its original height and proportions. The concept design honours the Pavilion’s symmetrical façade while maximising views from the park behind.
Why is the colour of the building changing?
The group of buildings along the Cronulla coastline, including the Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club, Cronulla Pavilion Sports Complex, Oak Park Pavilion, Shelly Beach Pavilion and Gunnamatta Pavilion, were all built around the same time and likely shared the same off-white colour scheme originally. Over the decades, these buildings have been repainted in a variety of colours, reflecting different periods and uses.
Repainting Gunnamatta Pavilion to match the current Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club colour scheme helps restore visual cohesion across the group and respects their shared architectural history. This approach is consistent with heritage guidelines, which recognise that colour schemes can evolve over time while still maintaining the character and significance of the original design.
When will work start on upgrades to Gunnamatta Pavilion?
Construction is expected to start in 2029 pending approval timeframes. We will keep our community informed of progress.
Will the Pavilion be closed during construction?
Yes, the Pavilion will be closed during construction. Council will keep the community updated on the timing of these impacts and provide alternative public amenities during this period.
How would an operator for the café / restaurant be selected?
Council plans to, at a later date, undertake a competitive process seeking tenders from suitably qualified and experienced operators for the café/restaurant space.
There’s lots happening in Cronulla. How does this project relate to all the others?
There are several projects underway in Cronulla, and while each has a different focus, they are being planned and coordinated to work together. The Gunnamatta Pavilion Upgrade is a key project within this program, centred on restoring and revitalising this important building and strengthening its connection to Gunnamatta Park and the wider foreshore.
The Cronulla Foreshore Master Plan provides the broader framework for how the foreshore functions as a whole - from Don Lucas Reserve along the eastern coastline to Hungry Point, and back to Gunnamatta and Tonkin Park. It considers public spaces, facilities and infrastructure together, and sets long-term priorities for upgrades and investment. The Pavilion project is being developed in alignment with this broader vision. While initial consultation on the Master Plan has now closed, Council will carefully review this feedback and coordinate it alongside input from the Pavilion project to ensure a consistent approach.
Closer to the Pavilion, renewal of the Gunnamatta Park playground will enhance the surrounding park setting and complement the building’s upgrade. Community consultation on the playground concept design is open at the same time as consultation for the Pavilion upgrade, providing an opportunity for the community to consider both projects together and how they connect.
The Cronulla Place Plan, which focuses on the town centre, land use and wider urban outcomes, also provides strategic context. Although initial consultation has now closed, feedback from this process will be considered alongside the other projects.
Together, these projects are being coordinated to ensure that the Pavilion, playground, foreshore and town centre evolve in a connected and cohesive way, delivering an improved experience for the community while respecting the character of Cronulla.
How will I be able to book spaces at the Pavilion in future?
To book or view availability of Gunnamatta Pavilion's hireable spaces now and in the future, please visit the Book a Community Venue page on Council's website.
What is out of scope for the project?
Upgrades outside of the marked project boundary will be out of scope for this project, including the rest of Gunnamatta Park, Esplanade upgrades outside of the project boundary, car parking, the amphitheatre, and park picnic shelters.
What will happen in the Development Application process?
Following community consultation on the concept design, we will prepare to lodge a Development Application. The Development Application will be assessed in accordance with relevant planning legislation. It may be determined by Council or an independent planning authority, depending on statutory requirements at the time of lodgement. This process may take up to 18 months.