Bondi Pavilion

The Bondi Surf Pavilion in Sydney, Australia, constructed in 1928, is a building of historic significance and has been listed by the Heritage Council. According to the National Trust it "has come to represent the Australian culture of beach bathing and outdoors living". The pavilion is managed by Waverley Council.

Background

In about 1900 there were no dressing sheds at Bondi, as bathing at that time was not a popular pastime. People went to the beach for a picnic, but they seldom went swimming. However, from the beginning of the twentieth century the popularity of surf bathing began to grow. In 1905 Waverley Council agreed to the construction of two dressing sheds – one for men and one for women (the ladies' shed is shown in the centre photo below) – although it soon became apparent that these sheds were not adequate, as they seem to have lacked roofs. One lady complained in 1910 that people passing in the tram could see those in the sheds dressing and undressing. Consequently, new sheds were erected in 1911. These are pictured below (far right photo) and were described in detail in the Sydney Morning Herald:

Bondi now boasts not only the most up-to-date surf bathers' accommodation in the State but also the Commonwealth. It is provided with facilities for 1000 bathers and is divided into two sections providing accommodation for 750 men and 250 women. Bathers' compartments are separated by asbestos sheet partitioning and the floor is wholly of concrete to ensure cleanliness. Besides shower-baths and other necessities for bathers the front of the building is devoted to the purposes of a tea-room which is capable of holding a large number of persons while wide verandahs on the seaward side are also designed for tea parties.

Construction

In 1923 Waverley Council commenced the implementation of the Bondi Beach and Park Improvement Scheme. The scheme included provision of a kiosk and surf sheds, three lavatory blocks, a band stand, parks to surround the buildings and increased car and pedestrian facilities. A competition was held to design the structures and was won by the architectural form of Robertson and Marks.