A new public amenities and café pavilion at Coogee Beach has received development approval, clearing the way for the replacement of the existing amenities building at 199 Arden Street.
Approval And Application Details
The proposal is listed as Development Application DA/906/2025. Records show the application was lodged on 29 August 2025 and approved on 19 December 2025, with the determination letter issued on 7 January 2026.
The approved works include demolition of existing structures and construction of a new public amenities building and associated structures. These include a bus shelter, kiosk, covered outdoor seating, storage areas, signage and landscaping works. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027–28.
Design And Facilities
The pavilion has been designed by Sam Crawford Architects and is planned as three single-level modules linked by a curved concrete roof.
The layout provides male and female toilets, accessible and all-gender bathrooms, and a communal washbasin. Project information states the number of toilets will double compared with the existing facilities. Storage is allocated for operations and the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, along with a bus driver’s toilet and improved bus shelter seating with weather protection.
A café with an enlarged kitchen and outdoor seating area is oriented towards the beach and parklands.
Cultural And Environmental Response
Project descriptions outline Connecting with Country principles developed in collaboration with Bangawarra. The building form is described as a sweeping arc reflecting the coastline and positioned between the main street and the coastal edge.
Design features include skylights for natural light and ventilation, and a slightly raised floor level to address flood risk while retaining existing trees. Materials specified include off-form concrete, face brickwork, anodised aluminium battens, stainless steel and a U-glass façade system acting as a wind screen for the bus shelter.
Pavement and façade patterning reference local Dharawal lore relating to coastal ecology and crayweed management. Landscape works by Oculus incorporate endemic planting and integrated seating areas.
The new pavilion replaces timber and tiled amenities constructed in the 1980s that were no longer considered fit for purpose.
Published 15-Feb-2026
