Randwick Council Archives

Malabar Memorial Hall to Reveal Heritage Brickwork in Major Upgrade

The hidden architectural history of Malabar will be brought back to the surface as preparations are being made to strip away 1970s additions to reveal the original mid-century soul of the local memorial hall.

A New Chapter for a Local Landmark

memorial hall — *Photo Credit:* *RandwickCityCouncil*

The planned works focus on stripping away a 1970s ramp and foyer that currently hide the building’s 1950s heritage. By removing these older parts, the project aims to show off the original brickwork while making the space much easier for everyone to use.

This project was approved by Randwick Councillors in late 2022 after a month of talking with local residents to ensure the design matched what the community needed. Construction is currently scheduled to begin during the 2024/25 financial year.

Improving Access and Comfort

A major part of the project involves fixing problems with how people get into the buildings. The current ramp does not meet modern building standards, so it will be replaced by a brand-new lift and a modern staircase. These changes will connect the Malabar Memorial Hall and the Malabar Community Library more effectively.

Inside the hall, visitors can expect better lighting and ventilation systems to keep the rooms comfortable during the hot summer months and cooler winters. The hall has been a central spot for parties and classes since it first started serving the public in 1957, and these updates are meant to keep it useful for many more years.

Better Facilities for Library and Hall Users

The library will receive a significant upgrade with the addition of its own unisex toilet, which means visitors will no longer have to walk across the road to find a public restroom.

The hall itself is being extended closer to the street to make room for a new kitchen and a better area for serving food. This extension also includes an outdoor terrace where people can gather. All existing bathrooms within the hall will be refreshed, and a new accessible toilet will be added to make sure the venue is welcoming for people of all abilities.

Published Date 06-March-2026

Matraville Streets to Get Major Makeover Starting July

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Did you know that Matraville and Maroubra town centres are set for major facelifts this year, as part of a roll out of streetscape upgrades aimed at improving walkability, shade and comfort across both suburbs?

Construction to Begin in Late July

Works along the western side of Bunnerong Road, from Perry Street to Daunt Avenue, will begin in late July 2025 and finish by December, weather permitting. old concrete footpaths will be replaced with new asphalt and paver edging. New seating, bins, trees and native plants will be added to improve comfort and shade.

Minor repairs to public infrastructure are also planned. These upgrades follow earlier improvements and form part of the Matraville Public Domain Masterplan to make the area safer and more accessible. Some parking and bus stops will be temporarily relocated, with traffic management in place during construction.

What It Means for the Community

The upgrades aim to make Matraville more walkable, family-friendly and comfortable for everyday visits. Improved footpaths, more seating and extra shade will support activities like shopping and school runs. Community feedback from earlier consultations called for better lighting, wider paths and greener spaces.

This second stage builds on upgrades completed in 2024 to meet those requests. Local businesses will stay open during construction, with staff on-site to assist with pedestrian access. Residents were informed earlier this year through letterbox drops and public notices.

A Broader Push Across the Area

Matraville’s streetscape upgrade is part of a broader set of projects across Randwick. Similar works will begin in Maroubra Junction around the same time, focusing on paving, landscaping, lighting and street furniture along Anzac Parade.

At its June meeting, Council also advanced plans for a new BMX pump park in Malabar and early design work for Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. These projects reflect a wider effort to improve public spaces across the area. The focus remains on boosting access, safety and comfort for residents of all ages.

What’s Next for Residents

Construction will run during the day and at night, with louder works limited after hours to reduce disruption. Most activity will happen during standard hours, though some low-impact tasks may occur overnight.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated through Randwick Council’s website and social media. Major traffic or access changes will be announced in advance. While there may be short-term inconvenience, the goal is a safer and more connected Matraville town centre.

Published 20-June-2025

Indoor Cricket Facility Plan Sparks Community Backlash in Maroubra

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

A formal complaint has been lodged against updated redevelopment plans that now include a new, indoor sports facility at Snape Park in Maroubra.

Background to the Development

Initially, the redevelopment of Snape Park was aimed at updating the existing amenities only. Over time, the $6.3-million, two-stage plan expanded to include a purpose-built indoor training facility for cricket and rugby league.

Stage 1 involves the construction of the indoor centre, while Stage 2 proposes a replacement of the kiosk, public toilets, and changerooms, along with landscape upgrades and improved pathways and parking. The indoor centre is planned for an under-used part of the park near existing outdoor cricket nets.

Authorities have confirmed that Stage 2 will proceed following further community consultation in future years.

Snape Park Upgrades — *Photo Credit: Randwick City Council*

The project is valued at $6.3 million, jointly funded by Randwick City Council and the Federal Government, who gave a $1-million contribution to the project.

Community Engagement and Council Process

Council documentation shows that internal stakeholder engagement began as early as July 2022. Communications obtained through freedom of information requests show Randwick Petersham Cricket Club was involved in consultations before any broader community feedback process began. In contrast, the public consultation period was limited to a one-month window from 3 February to 3 March 2025.

A complaint submitted by residents spans 50 pages and alleges that the planning process lacked transparency and excluded local input. Specific concerns were raised about the project’s origins, with claims the indoor centre component was introduced through a council motion in August 2020 without substantial background or justification.

Snape Park — *Photo Credit: Randwick City Council*

Design and Implementation Details

The facility will include synthetic flooring, filtered lighting, and energy-efficient features, with potential for solar panels and Indigenous artwork. Consultants have been engaged to advise on accessibility, acoustics, arboriculture, traffic, heritage, and other factors.

The structure will be positioned among trees in a low-lying area to reduce visual and noise impact. According to council, the design aims to use robust materials and visual elements that blend with the natural environment.

Maroubra cricket facility — *Photo Credit: Randwick City Council*

Public Objection and Community Response

Residents opposing the plan have raised several objections, including the building’s size, potential traffic issues, and loss of green space. Critics describe the proposal as outsized and believe the process prioritised sporting clubs over broader community interests. A petition opposing the project has collected more than 1,200 signatures.

Council maintains that consultation followed the adopted Community Engagement Strategy. However, several residents argue the process was rushed and lacked genuine opportunity for public input. Concerns have also been raised about whether the indoor centre serves public needs or benefits specific user groups.

Next Steps and Ongoing Review

Council has stated that all feedback is under review and a report will be submitted for further consideration.

Published 13-May-2025

Pioneers Park Clubhouse Redevelopment Moves Ahead in Malabar

Photo Credit: Phill Maher/Google Maps

Plans for a new two-storey clubhouse at Pioneers Park in Malabar have progressed, with Randwick officials endorsing a draft concept design as part of its latest infrastructure agenda.

Draft Design Endorsed for Community Consultation

*Caption: Artist’s impression of the proposed clubhouse and amenities at Pioneers Park.*
*Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil*

Randwick Council has endorsed a draft concept design to replace the outdated amenities building at Pioneers Park, Malabar. The proposed two-storey facility will be designed to better serve local sporting needs, particularly for the South Eastern Seagulls junior rugby league club.

The redevelopment will include new change rooms, a canteen, meeting rooms, and improved accessibility. The project carries a cost estimate of $5 million and will be funded over several years, with construction scheduled for the 2028–29 financial year.

Support for Junior Rugby League in Malabar

The current facility is no longer adequate for the size and activity of the South Eastern Seagulls, one of the largest junior rugby league clubs in the Souths Juniors competition. The new clubhouse will provide improved functionality and access to meet ongoing community demand.

Part of a Wider Council Agenda

The decision to progress the Pioneers Park upgrade was one of several key items addressed at the April 2025 Randwick Council meeting. Local officials also endorsed the draft 2025–26 Budget and Operational Plan, which outlines $44 million in infrastructure investment across the local government area.

Other projects include a planned amenities upgrade at Malabar Ocean Pool, an upgrade to Malabar Memorial Hall, and the rollout of new outdoor gyms—including one at Ella Reserve in Malabar.

Additional Developments Across the LGA

Local officials also advanced planning for a First Nations Cultural Precinct at La Perouse, supported emergency access upgrades at Little Bay Beach, and reaffirmed its backing of the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ move to Allianz Stadium. Safety initiatives for rock fishing and a return of local events like Spot On were also confirmed.

Next Steps for Pioneers Park

The Pioneers Park proposal will now enter a community consultation phase. Feedback from local residents and stakeholders will guide the refinement of the design before final works commence in line with the 2028–29 schedule.

Published 3-May-2025