The siren of the late 1930s was wrapped up in an illicit love affair complete with betrayal, bribery and public scandal.

But still, the North Beach Bathers' Pavilion is beautiful and deserves to be reinstated to her former glory.

Wollongong City Council's recommendation to appoint an architect will be a fresh beginning, after several false starts, to re-invent the pavilion's public career.

The art deco building was sullied by its association with the Independent Commission Against Corruption's investigation into Wollongong City Council last year.

Developer Frank Vellar planned a $3.5 million commercial redevelopment of the building and had his lover, town planner Beth Morgan, assessing his application at the council.

Now the council, in conjunction with the NSW Heritage Office, has a chance to really make something of the jewel in the crown of the Blue Mile.

A renovated bathers' pavilion would enhance the strip, with a tasteful mix of heritage and modern features.

With the Brighton Lawn development at Wollongong Harbour complete, revamping the dilapidated pavilion is overdue, but will require a balancing act to ensure it is accessible to everyone.