Council understands listening to our communities is an important part of achieving amazing places that are unique and well used. That is why we invited community input as we consider options for a new building in Suttons Beach Park.
Community feedback together with the detailed business case that Council is yet to complete, will inform Council’s brief for the building’s conceptual design and other decisions about the building and its surrounds.
Community preferences for building style
From 21 March to 16 April 2023, we consulted with the community on preferred building style to inform the design brief for any replacement building.
The survey sought to understand:
- preferred ways to respect our history and reflect stories of the past in the new building and its surrounds
- preferred ways for the building to connect with the stairs from Marine Parade and park surrounds
- preferences for the architectural style of the new building; from Art Deco to Contemporary.
You can read what we learned in detail in the Suttons Beach Public Space Building Style Community Survey Findings, May 2023.
The below snapshot provides a high-level summary of the findings.
Engagement snapshot
Through 624 survey responses the community told us:
Overall, people want a BALANCE between aesthetically pleasing ART DECO and CONTEMPORARY design compatible with the sub-tropical climate.
It is most important that:
Top 3
Read more about the Art Deco and Contemporary styles by clicking the tabs
Art Deco style
The Art Deco architectural style flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Originally representing luxury, glamour, exuberance and social/technological progress, it typically features:
- symmetrical with repetitive elements
- curved corners and front entrances, which emphasise the horizontal lines of the building
- flat or low-pitched roofs hidden behind ornamental parapets (usually a vertical extension of the external wall for aesthetic purposes)
- mix of traditional and modern building materials, including masonry, stucco, and smooth stone, as well glass bricks, decorative glass, steel, chrome and aluminium
- geometric detailing from simple geometry of lines and circles to more ornamental chevrons, stylized florals and zigzags.
In Redcliffe, Art Deco buildings tended to be warm pastel colours with some soft yellows, blues, pinks and greens. They are traditionally enclosed, without verandas, and in modern times are typically airconditioned in our sub-tropical climate.
The original bathing pavilion that was built in 1937 at Suttons Beach was of Art Deco design and referencing this style is a way to acknowledge the history of the site.
Contemporary style
Contemporary subtropical architecture refers to a diverse range of architectural styles that are currently being developed and practiced. Reflecting the changing needs and priorities of modern society, it typically features:
- clean lines and simple shapes
- elegant, sleek and minimalist appearance
- a mix of traditional and modern materials such as timber, steel, concrete, and glass
- open flowing floor plans that allow flexible use of spaces
- building walls and windows that open up to natural light and air, capturing cooling sea breezes and making the most of our subtropical climate
- large veranda spaces, extended rooflines and eaves creating shady outdoor spaces
- landscaped open spaces incorporated into the building design blurring the line between inside and outside
- strong emphasis on sustainability
- innovative technology into the building design for energy efficiency.
Over time, Redcliffe has evolved from a sleepy seaside residential area and destination for holiday makers to a growing centre of activity and the park has changed to reflect this. Adopting a Contemporary style would mark the next evolution of this iconic destination allowing a new generation of endearing memories to be created.
Community values and preferences for future use
Between 11 February and 25 March 2022, Council did a survey and other engagement to understand how our community wants to use Suttons Beach Park and any buildings in the future, as well as what is valued about the park.
The community told us that you value the memories and nostalgic experiences you have of this place and that the site has a relaxed atmosphere that caters for everyone, from a casual BBQ to public and private events.
We also heard that:
- you would like food and beverage and green space to continue to be available at the site
- you value the attributes of the rotunda
- refurbishment of the heritage elements of the original bathing house and kiosk building were strongly the favoured option.
You can read what we learned then in the Suttons Beach Public Space Project Community Survey Findings Report May 2022.
