Page 31 - Bulletin 17 2013

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dressing rooms; a restaurant occupying two floors next to the theatre and connecting to

the open and covered promenades, balconies and rest rooms; and 525 cubicles for men
and women with showers and lavatories to left and right of the main block. The interior

fittings and finishes were lavish and in the Art Deco style. Easy access was provided to
the roadway, exterior sun-bathing areas, and the beach. In front and on the east side of the

Pavilion a 30 ft. wide promenade ran for approximately 690 ft. at an elevation 17 ft.
above sea level towards the Zandvlei mouth. This sheltered the newly-constructed Beach

Road and the sunken gardens, with their ponds, pergolas and lamps, from wind and

blown sand. (Architect, Builder & Engineer, 1927: 11.)

Beach umbrellas, deck chairs and surf-boards were provided for hire. An amusement park

for children was established on the parking area at the vlei end of the gardens run by
Messrs Olympic Shows. The childrens’ play-ground at the Kalk Bay end equipped with

modern appliances also proved very popular. (Figs. 1.25 – 35.)

The old pavilion survived for a year. On 29 April 1930 Council approved its demolition
and replacement by a chalet containing toilets and changing rooms, 21 bathing boxes for

daily letting, and 30 private sites. It was sold by public auction and removed before the

end of 1930.

On 27 March 1930 a tract of two acres bounded by Prince George, Eastbourne and
Ramsgate roads was reserved as a camping ground for non-Europeans (sic).

In 1931 a scheme was approved for linking the beach promenade with the pavilion at a

cost of £608. A charge of 1d would be levied for access to the combined beach and

pavilion promenade. Minor additions like the bathers’ café on the pavilion promenade
came later.

The Pavilion was a great attraction. During 1931 its restaurants served 167,627 patrons.
Of these 77,6% were orders for teas, coffees and soda fountain. January and December

were the busiest months and 55% of the above were accounted for by Sundays and