We know listening to feedback from our communities is an important part of achieving amazing places that are unique and well used.

In 2022, you told us how you want to use Suttons Beach and any buildings in the future, as well as what you value about the park. This informed the Strategic Assessment and Options Analysis (SAOA) and Council’s recent decision (15 March 2023) to further investigate a new building at the site by undertaking a detailed business case.

We are now seeking your input on the potential style of this building.

More specifically we want 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.

Your feedback, together with the detailed business case that Council is yet to complete, will inform our brief for the building’s conceptual design and other Council decisions about the building and its surrounds.

We will continue to keep you informed as we progress.

After considering the many options presented in the SAOA, Council is proceeding with investigations for a building that includes:

• public amenities including a Changing Places facility
• retail or hospitality space that provides food and beverage such as coffee, a meal or ice-cream
• a ‘roof top‘ public space on the second storey from which visitors can enjoy the magnificent ocean views.

Providing a Changing Places facility at Suttons Beach would complement the beach access ramp and matting already in place that allow people with disabilities and other mobility challenges to enjoy the beach. Changing Places are a type of adult change facility that enable people with high support needs and their carers to access public toilets in a dignified, hygienic and safe way. They differ from standard accessible toilets as they are larger and equipped with a range of specialised equipment, such as a height-adjustable change table, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet and in this location, a shower.

To help you better visualise how the different functions of the building might come together, Council has prepared descriptions of the different styles and example sketches. These are an artist's impression only done to indicate one potential layout and the different ways it might look. The design process will start once consultation and the detailed business case are completed.

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 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.

The Suttons Beach Public Space Project Community Survey was the first step in community consultation. It was open to all community members between 11 February and 25 March 2022.

You 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.

You also told us:

• 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.

Read the full Community Survey Findings Report.

Your feedback will continue inform planning for the future of Suttons Beach Park as we progress through our decision-making process.