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“For example, to restore the slab on the first floor, the entire first floor would have to be removed — that’s how bad the decay of concrete and wood is in the building.”
Flannery said the council would work to build a new facility on the site, which he said would create “significant costs” for taxpayers.
“There is now a tremendous opportunity to provide an alternative facility that is better located, designed to be more resilient to the coastal environment and, more importantly, to meet the demands of current and future community needs,” said he.
Suttons Beach Pavilion Preservation Group president Jodie Starr said it accepted the report and the need to demolish the existing building.
But she advocated a like-for-like replacement, with a “beautiful Art Deco pavilion-style building” built on the existing site.
“This building is part of us,” she said.
“When it is rebuilt, it is essential that future generations understand the important role this building has played in developing the cultural, recreational and hospitality dimensions of the peninsula.
“The community should expect an appropriate historical feature with interpretive materials that span the pavilion’s rich history and incorporate elements of the current building into the design.
“We can’t lose this beautiful building – we would all be devastated.”
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Flannery said he wouldn’t prejudge the public consultation process, but he seemed keen to at least preserve a memory of the pavilion.
The mayor said he heard the conservation group’s calls to preserve the original stonework in recognition of the site’s history.
“While I cannot predetermine a decision by the council, I personally think it is very appropriate,” he said.
The finger of blame for the pavilion’s condition has been firmly pointed at Moreton Bay Regional Council and its predecessor, the Redcliffe City Council, with allegations of decades of neglect by the pavilion restaurant’s former owner, Oli Thompson.
