Bondi Pavilion wins the Judge’s Choice Award at the 2023 National Trust Heritage Awards

By TILEAH DOBSON

The Bondi Surf Pavilion has been crowned the winner of the highly coveted Judge’s Choice Award at the 2023 National Trust Heritage Awards.

The restoration of the Bondi Pavilion was done by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (TZGA), who had helped turn it from its formerly worn-down state into the stunning heritage landmark that it is today.

The judges had hailed the restored landmark as “an absolutely brilliant project for an Australian heritage landmark that will continue to serve local residents and visitors in a sustained and multi-purposeful way.”

Waverly Council Mayor Praises The Architects

Waverly Council’s Mayor Paula Masselos praised the architects at TZGA, who took care in respecting the value that the 100-year-old building has to the community.

“There were many, many people who contributed to the restoration and conservation of Bondi Pavilion, from our dedicated Council staff to our passionate community, our builders Buildcorp whose skill brought this wonderful heritage building back to life, and others,” she said.

“The vision has been realised in a beautiful arts and community centre which will remain a vibrant destination for generations to come and as is fitting of such an important and globally recognised building.”

Parts of the heritage architecture preserved at the Bondi Pavilion include the gorgeous Spanish mission-style roof tiles, signage, arches, and the historic murals that have been uncovered and conserved.

Masselos thanked the judges for the award as the Pavilion is “really a special place, not just for Bondi but for everyone who knows this iconic location.”

“This has been a once-in-a-generation project that will leave a lasting legacy and it was such an honour to have presided over the rebirth of the Bondi Pavilion,” she said.

Other Winners

The President’s Prize went to the restoration of the Niagara Café in Gundagai, after it was given an update whilst maintaining its original 1938 Art Deco style.

Another winner was the bara monument in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney by Aboriginal artist Judy Watson. Other major awards were given to regional and Indigenous projects.

NSW Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe said that these “winning projects are a reminder of the many ways we can interpret and protect our shared stories.”

“From Sydney to Gundagai, these projects show that it is possible – and imperative – to bring heritage to life for the people of New South Wales to enjoy and explore,” she said.