Wollongong City Council Administrators tonight awarded the tender for the $12 million refurbishment of the North Beach Bathers Pavilion to Lahey Constructions Pty Ltd.

Administrator, Dr Col Gellatly AO said that the refurbishment will give the Bathers Pavilion a second lease of life and is an important milestone for Wollongong.

“It is great news for the community who will now get to see this historic landmark transformed with modern 21st century features,” Dr Gellatly said.

“The contractor needs to carry out extensive safety and vehicle movement analysis and submit a safety management plan to Council before they can take control of the site,” explained Dr Gellatly.

“Once the contractor takes possession of the site, fences will go up, marking the start of the work. We anticipate the work to commence before the end of this month.”

“The initial work involves extensive repairs to the building, replacement of concrete slabs affected by ‘concrete cancer’, the construction of a new viewing platform and equipment storage facilities for lifeguards and making all areas and amenities of the pavilion accessible for everyone,” said Dr Gellatly.

Other improvements include building a 3 metre wide promenade overlooking the beach in front of the building, widening the pedestrian path and cycleway at the rear from 2.5 metres to more than 6 metres, coastal protection works in front of the pavilion and replacement of the ageing retaining wall on the footpath / cycleway between the kiosk and the pavilion. The plans also include provision for a café in the southern end of the building

The footpath at the rear of the pavilion will be closed to the public while construction is underway with an alternative route available along Cliff Road. There will also be temporary closure of the ramp leading up to Cliff Road at the northern end of the footpath. Temporary steps will be installed south of the pavilion at the cutting to provide access to the beach and temporary public toilets will be located on the northern side of the surf club.

“We apologise for any inconvenience to the community while construction is underway. It is anticipated that the footpath will reopen in time for the busy summer period,” concluded Dr Gellatly.

To stay updated on the project, visit Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au