Surf heritage honoured in a wave of nostalgia
With its crystal-clear water and pristine sandy beach, laid-back North Kirra is a treasured jewel in the crown of the bustling Gold Coast. What a perfect place to retire!
Stage one of The Pavilion North Kirra – Aura Holdings’ much-anticipated independent retirement living community – is now open. The 10-level building, completed in October 2021, offers stunning ocean views and was named after the nearby foreshore landmark, the Kirra Beach Pavilion.
The current heritage-listed landmark building opened in 1935 but the history of the Kirra Beach Pavilion can be traced back to a tragic event on January 6, 1916, when 47-year-old Brisbane accountant Robert Doran drowned during an early morning swim. His drowning caused an outcry and the next day a public meeting was convened at the Coolangatta Town Hall. From that meeting the local community formed the Kirra Life Saving Club with members organising beach patrols to prevent further deaths.
The first Kirra Life Saving Clubhouse – not much more than a simple shed – was erected in 1917. By 1922 a larger timber pavilion was built by members of the community at a cost of £300 and the clubhouse continued to expand with Kirra’s growing popularity. By 1927 a rooftop dance floor the length of the three-storey building had been constructed. A few years later storms and high tides had almost washed away the clubhouse.
Kirra Pavilion - Photo shared on the Gold Coast Bulletin
In 1935 construction started on the current pavilion at a cost of £750. On April 13, 1936, crowds filled the beach as the new clubhouse was officially opened. Newspaper reports noted: “It would be hard to find a better building of its class elsewhere on the coast of Australia.’’
Kirra Beach, 1946 - - State Library of Queensland
The surf pavilion was designed in the Tudor Revival style by architect John Beebe and included a kiosk, changing rooms, toilets and rooms for the use of the Kirra Surf Lifesaving Club. Over the years the building has been altered and additions made to accommodate the needs of the surf club.
Pizza Hut operated from the Kirra Pavilion for more than 40 years until 2019. Now the building is undergoing renovations after the Gold Coast City Council sought tenders for a new eatery to occupy the site.
To surf right into your retirement paradise at The Pavilion North Kirra call (07) 5536 2865 or email live@thepavilionnorthkirra.com.au
Stage one of The Pavilion sold out months before its completion and stage two apartments sold before construction even started. To join a wait list for apartments please contact us.
Compiled by Jo Cranstoun