‘Plain ugly’: Bondi plan sparks reaction

Artist’s impressions for the venue that would sit on the southern end of the iconic beach have been unveiled, despite the development application not yet being lodged.

The man behind the proposal, Janek Gazecki, met significant opposition when he first unveiled the idea in October, with locals furious the “exclusive” club would take away free access to the beach for all.

Mr Gazecki has since indicated there will be no $80 access fee, the club will be open to everyone and should be viewed no differently than a restaurant on the sand.

But now locals are up in arms about the “plain ugly” design, which is essentially a couple of shipping containers that have been given a Mediterranean, weathered look.

The proposal also has a major roadblock in NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes who’s vehemently opposed to the plan, and needs to consent to the DA being lodged with Waverley Council because Bondi Beach is crown land.

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In a Facebook post to tease the DA lodgement, Mr Gazecki said no expense had been spared in retaining a top production designer to ensure Bondi Beach had the best beach club in the country, adding there were now five across Australia.

The designer has previously won at the Sculpture by the Sea festival and designed sets for Star Wars, Cirque du Soleil, the MTV Awards and the 2000 Olympic opening ceremony.

“The Mediterranean design celebrates the heritage of Bondi Beach by paying tribute to our very own Pavilion, also inspired by inter-war Italian architecture, while complimenting the sandstone hues of Bondi’s headlands,” the post said.

Mr Gazecki shared further details with the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, revealing the club would run four days a week over summer on just 1.3 per cent of the beach.

He said the venue would be “modestly-fenced” simply to comply with alcohol regulations rather than keep people out.

While the cabanas and day beds will be available for up to 100 people, there will be a casual area for walk-ins and a children’s play area so parents can relax.

“They will not have to lug around beach umbrellas, seating or Eskies whilst juggling kids, nor will they have to be on constant lookout to ensure their children don’t wander from view,” Mr Gazecki told the SMH.

Mr Gazecki said he planned to lodge the DA this week.

He told The Guardian plans were misrepresented when the idea was first unveiled, which indicated they would target “high net worth” individuals such as doctors, surgeons and models for the venue.

“None of that stuff that hit the media was in any way related to our proposal,” he said.

“It was weird speculation. It is pure and simply a restaurant on the sand. It is not privatising the beach, we are leasing the beach.”

The club’s Facebook posts in recent days are now targeting Mr Stokes, questioning why he has allowed pop-up restaurants and events at Manly but is against one in Bondi.

“Rob Stokes can you tell us Bondi Beach locals why we cannot do this on our beach please?,” the latest post says.

“Our tourism is massively down and many in the events industry have been without jobs for well over a year.”

A petition to stop the proposal has more than 34,000 signatures and there’s a dedicated Facebook action group opposed to the club.

Tensions are also high on the Bondi Local Loop group.

“It’s just plain ugly. It’s just not the Aussie culture. Bondi is iconic and it should stay that way. I love Europe and I love Bondi and we don’t need this crap,” wrote one woman.

However, many support the idea and say the hospitality industry needs all the help it can get.

“Yes, yes, yes!! If this gets approved, I’ll be so happy. I’ll be there one day a week! Brilliant idea. Hope the killjoys don’t win this,” wrote one fan on the Amalfi Facebook page.

“I am a long term Bondi local and I love the thought of having a nice seat on the beach, under a cabana, where I can have a drink and something to eat with some music and less hustle and bustle, while supporting local business and employment.

“It will make me actually want to go to the beach again. This is just what the beach needs. CAN’T WAIT.”

Another woman said, “Looks amazing. I’d actually go to Bondi if they had this.”

What do you think of the design so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below