A historic landmark and a significant piece of mid-century modernist heritage, the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger in Tweed Heads officially opened to the public on Tuesday, 16th July.
Above Images: Tweed Shire Council
In a major milestone for the revitalisation project, crowds gathered in the morning to celebrate a new future for the structure, more than 50 years after its original construction.
Led by the Tweed Shire Council, with support from the NSW Government, and the City of Gold Coast, and re-imagined by Fulton Trotter Architects, the six-year revitalisation project sees extensive upgrades to the site.
Working in a team of expert architects, Fulton Trotter Architects brought the vision to life in collaboration with landscape architect Duncan Gibbs, structural and civil engineers Cozens Regan Group, mechanical and electrical engineers from EMF Griffiths, hydraulics by Compass Consulting, builder Multi Span Australia and building certifier, Formiga 1.
Fulton Trotter Architects Director, Katerina Dracopoulos said the design focus for the project was on embracing the original modernist elements, with contemporary interventions.
“The contemporary intervention pays homage to the original modernist design, retaining two simple elements: four vertical pillars and a horizontal podium. This design approach maintained the visual gravitas of the original monument, while at the same time, contemporising the building’s utility.”
Images Above: Katerina Dracopoulos and Tweed Shire Council
“The Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse has stood as a firm landmark for many generations, attracting locals and tourists, as well as housing the Marine Rescue NSW services within its base, and it’s been a pleasure working with the team on this project,” she said.
Additions to the site include a new café, bathroom facilities, accessibility ramp and a refreshed Marine Rescue NSW facilities on the lower podium level, sheltered from the main street level.
Katerina Dracopoulos said she hopes many will find surprise and delight in the structure with refreshing panoramic views and areas of refuge.
“A lower podium level was added under the original structure, and though it’s not immediately apparent, it is revealed as one draws closer to the building. From there, the space opens up to panoramic views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean along an open terrace,” she said.
The Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1971 by Les Nyerges, one of the City of Gold Coast’s first staff architects. Fulton Trotter Architects commenced the revitalisation project in 2018.
Above Image: Tweed Shire Council
