An “ultra bright” light show that could run 365 days a year and two expansive viewing decks have been proposed by the new lessee of Wollongong’s City Beach function centre and surf club building.
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The striking seven-step overhaul of the angular grey-toned block also includes a mural, tree planting, landscaping, car parking area and new balustrades.
In documents lodged on behalf of Jim Eddy and Caroline Brinsmead, planner Terry Wetherall said the proposal would be a “significant improvement” to the two level beachside building.
It includes a decorative mural on the wall fronting Marine Drive, a 33 square metre deck to the north of the building and a 94 square metre deck at the south end.
“Ultra bright lighting features” would be installed to illuminate the jutting out “fins” around the external walls, and would be designed to change colour to highlight different occasions.
For instance, the plans says, the building would be turned yellow for Australia Day, pink for breast cancer or red and green for Christmas.
“[There is] the opportunity to program a series of colours, patterns, effects and periodic ‘shows’ 365 days a year,” the plans said.
[There is] the opportunity to program a series of colours, patterns, effects and periodic ‘shows’ 365 days a year
- Development plan
“The intention is to provide an aesthetic and visual uplift to the existing building and its surrounds, which will be compatible with the outcome for the Blue Mile … to enhance the foreshore area.”
Mr Eddy and Ms Brinsmead bought the lease of infamous oceanside building – the approval of which was highlighted in NSW Parliament during Wollongong’s 2008 ICAC scandal – from the Kollaras Group in July last year.
According to title documents, they bought the long-term lease of the council-owned building for $6.8 million.
The Kollaras family were given approval to build new surf club and function centre by Wollongong City Council in early 2000, but suffered a number of setbacks meaning it was not completed until well into 2004.
The building remains under council ownership, and there are 37.5 years remaining on the lease and 7.5 years on the agreed rent-free period.
The makeover plans are on public exhibition through the council’s website until February 2.