FAQs
- Honouring the pavilions’ symmetry – The design maintains the strong, balanced layout of the original buildings, reinforcing their architectural order.
- Respecting the perimeter walls – The external walls are of heritage significance and will be retained and carefully integrated into the new design.
- Landscape in contrast – The pavilions’ clear, geometric forms are deliberately contrasted with the surrounding organic landscape, creating a strong relationship between built form and nature.
- Respectful roof form – New roof elements will sit below the central parapet, with a slim, horizontal profile to ensure the original form remains dominant.
- Open to the sky – The internal courtyard character will be preserved, with new roofs set above the existing walls to maintain openness, natural light, ventilation, and a clear visual connection to the sky.
- The buildings are valued for their heritage and community use
- Accessibility and safety upgrades are important
- Any changes should respect the natural and built character of the area.
- Oak Park project scope expanded in response to community interest in improved and extended facilities.
- Pathways to be widened, especially at key points, to improve access for walking frames and mobility aids.
- Accessible facilities, including a Changing Places toilet, included following requests for better access.
- Lightweight roofing added over change areas for privacy and weather protection.
- Sewage and drainage concerns raised will be considered in the detailed design stage.
- Pathways will be widened and upgraded, with ramps included where needed, to ensure smooth access for mobility aids, prams, and wheelchairs.
- Wayfinding and statutory signage will meet accessibility standards, using clear, high-contrast visuals and placement for ease of navigation.
- At Shelly Beach, a fully compliant Changing Places facility will be installed to support users with high support needs.
- Esplanade upgrades outside of the project boundary:
- Future upgrades to the Esplanade will be investigated and developed as part of the Cronulla Foreshore Masterplan project. This project is expected to go to community consultation in 2026.
- Shelly Park playground:
- This is a separate project that is currently in the planning phase.
- Oak Park Rock Pool maintenance and new ramp to the beach:
- Council has assessed the feasibility of providing a ramp at Oak Park, connecting the Esplanade down to the beach level. However, the steep natural terrain, rocky surface, and the distance from the existing stair access point to the beach present significant challenges. At this time, Shelly Beach is considered the primary all-inclusive access point along the foreshore.
How will the heritage value of the buildings be preserved during the upgrade?
The original architectural character of the pavilions will be carefully preserved so they can continue to be used and enjoyed by the community for many years to come.
The design responds to the heritage character of the pavilions and their coastal setting through five key principles:
The project team is working closely with heritage consultants to ensure all changes align with heritage guidelines and respect the original design intent.
As part of this approach, the pavilions will be repainted in a colour scheme consistent with the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club. This enhances visual cohesion across the group of buildings and reflects their shared architectural history and heritage context.
Why is the colour of the buildings changing?
The group of buildings along the Cronulla Coastline, including the Cronulla Surf Club, Oak Park Pavilion, Shelly Beach Pavilion and Gunnamatta Park Pavilion, were all built around the same time and likely shared the same off-white colour scheme. Over the decades, these buildings have been repainted in a variety of colours, reflecting different periods and uses.
Repainting the pavilions to match the current Cronulla Surf 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.
How has community feedback informed the concept design?
In early consultation on this project in February and March 2025, our community told us:
Read more about feedback from 220+ participants in our last consultation summary here.
Community feedback informed the project in a range of ways, including:
When will the work take place?
Construction is expected to start in 2027 after the summer season. We will keep our community informed of progress.
Will the area be closed for construction work?
Yes, parts of the sites will be closed during construction.
Council will keep the community updated on the timing of these impacts and provide alternative amenities for public use during this period.
How will renewals ensure accessibility for all people at both sites?
A number of features are included in the design to improve access and usability for everyone:
Council has worked closely with community members and groups, including our Access and Inclusion Reference Group, Seniors Reference Group, and those with lived experience of disability who use the sites.
Their input is helping to ensure the designs deliver the best outcomes for all members of the community.
What is out of the project scope & why?
Upgrades outside of the marked project boundary.