A touch of Greece could soon be coming to the sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches.
The Amalfi Beach Club is proposing to rope off a private area on the southern end of the iconic beach, where 100 guests (each paying $80) will be able to enjoy cocktails and gourmet food in luxury cabanas. There would be four two-hour sessions between 12pm to 9pm, Thursday to Sunday.
In response to the media coverage of the plan, Waverley council clarified that it received and rejected the Amalfi Beach Club’s first proposal, which was lodged in May. “Our beaches and parks are public open spaces, for the enjoyment of everyone,” a Waverley council spokeswoman told the Guardian Australia on Wednesday.
The initial proposal, for the club to run between November and February, had been knocked back because “council’s policies do not support events on the sand in peak periods between December and January," she added.
Janek Gazecki, the Bondi-based organiser of Urban Polo events who is behind the proposal, said he was inspired by Mykonos, Capri and St Tropez. The proposal was an attempt to “boost local morale” and help businesses recover from the impact of Covid-19.
“It’s a no-brainer, and we can’t see any rational reason why this can’t proceed. It’s not like regular beachgoers will need to pay to access the beach, this is just an opportunity for there to be a slightly more cosmopolitan way to enjoy the beach," he added.
The proposal now before council would be for the club to run from February to May.
The Amalfi Beach Club's Facebook page has divided followers, with many arguing that the beach should be free to all who use it. Others were warmer to the idea.
*Image by Nick Bourdaniotis/Bourdo Photography (Copyright)
