The structural integrity of the Suttons Beach Pavilion buildings is set to be determined by a local engineering firm, Moreton Bay Regional Council has announced.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Council was honouring a commitment made to the community to fully investigate the condition of the building before determining the precinct’s future.
“I’m pleased that a North Lakes-based firm will be delivering these works, although I want to be transparent with the community in saying the $363,000 (excl GST) quote is a lot more than we initially anticipated,” Mayor Flannery said of the appointment of Covey Associates.
“In the current economic climate, works of this kind are substantially more expensive than usual, but we are responding to community demands for more definitive structural advice before making a final decision.
“Spending this kind of money on investigations and reports means there’s less to invest in the actual restoration or reconstruction of the pavilions, which is precarious after losing $5 million in federal funding for this project through the election.”
Covey Associates will undertake invasive and non-invasion investigations as the next crucial step in understanding what is the most appropriate way forward at the pavilions, the Mayor said.
The move follows another important phase in the assessment process – the recent release of outcomes of a community survey into the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park.
“This survey highlighted a preference amongst the more than 2,000 participants for retaining the existing pavilion or rebuilding in an art deco style,” he said.
Mayor Flannery said Council was considering three options for the pavilion buildings:
- Fully rectify or refurbish,
- Partially demolish and partially retain with rectification and refurbishment; and
- Demolish and replace.
“To ensure our community gets the full and accurate picture, it’s crucial the consultant is afforded the access and time required to fully understand and describe the condition of the pavilion buildings,” Mayor Flannery said.
“This investigation goes significantly deeper than the previous technical reports – requiring the removal of internal linings and cladding, fitting and fixtures so the consultant can comprehensively and methodically test structural surfaces and other building components.
“As part of the project, the company will assess Council’s three options against the actual physical condition of the buildings and provide recommendations that will be shared with the community.”
He said Council appreciated the community’s patience while this stage of the process is completed.
Final results of the testing are expected late 2022 or early 2023. As the investigation and testing work proceeds, there will be opportunities for updates from Covey Associates which Council will share with the community via the project website, the Mayor said.
Council has also confirmed there will be further public consultation before any final decisions are made on the long-term future of Suttons Beach Park and its potential facilities and buildings.
Once the current condition of the buildings is confirmed and options are better understood, Council will consider community views and preferences alongside other factors that will influence the future of the site, it said.
These may include but not be limited to ensuring the costs of any building works represent good value for the use of public funds for all ratepayers, feasibility investigations including the viability of any kiosk or vendor use, expert built form and landscaping design advice, current and future projected park usage patterns, master planning for the park, return of the building to its intended full community access and use and potential foreshore activations.
For more information or to subscribe for updates please visit: https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/suttons-beach-public-space
