[1][failed verification][2] The enduring popularity of the beach is the result of combination of factors including proximity to metropolitan Perth, accessibility by train, shelter from strong summer breezes and presence of offshore reefs making it a relatively safe swimming location.

[4] Since the beginning of the twentieth century a succession of bathing structures and hotels have been constructed in prominent locations overlooking the beach.

The structure was too small and in the mid-1990s the Town of Cottesloe sought expressions of interest for the design of multi-purpose building.

[4] The town selected a neotraditional design by architect Lawrence Scanlan that drew influences from the earlier Centenary Pavilion.

[9] Since 2016 Lawrence has been seeking approval for a new Cottesloe Pier structure that will include an underwater observatory, swimming enclosure and pavilions.

[10] In 2020, Andrew Forrest purchased the lease for the teahouse and proposed the demolition and redevelopment of the building in a contemporary architectural style.

It then remained on the bottom of the ocean in approximately 3 metres (9.8 ft) of water until a group from Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club removed the 800-kilogram (1,764 lb) structure using nothing but wood, rope and surfboards[16][full citation needed] in 1997.