Manly Life Saving Club: Funding issues could affect plans for long-awaited revamp
After a long wait, a vision for the rebuild of one of Sydney’s oldest surf clubs has been revealed, but the plans could be affected by funding issues. Here is what we know.
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The long-awaited multimillion-dollar refurbishment of one of Australia’s oldest surf clubs could be affected by a funding shortfall.
Concept designs for a new clubhouse for the historic Manly Life Saving Club, that was expected to cost a minimum $15 million, have been released.
But only $11m in funding has been secured for the upgrade to the increasingly dilapidated 41-year-old building owned by Northern Beaches Council.
The council and the federal government have each provided $5m towards the revamp — which includes public change rooms and toilets — that has been talked about since 2018.
Supporters of the project, including the life saving club and Northern Beaches councillor Candy Bingham, had been hoping the previous Coalition state government would come up with the final $5m.
State Liberal MP for Manly, James Griffin, was able to secure $1m towards the upgrade prior to the March state election.
Now Mr Griffin says its “probably time to stop talking about more money and get on and build it”.
He said on Wednesday that the $11m was now locked in for what was a significant community project.
“The early designs reflect a massive redevelopment.
“Of course I would always welcome more funding for the club, and other projects in Manly.
“But this is a great outcome for the general public and the members of the club.”
Cr Bingham, who as a Manly Ward councillor has championed the upgrade, said it was time to press on with building the new clubhouse.
“We’ll have to design a clubhouse that fits in with the $11m in funding,” she said.
“It’s disappointing that we haven’t been able to raise more funds, but I’m delighted that the council is going ahead with the upgrade of Australia’s premier surf life saving club.”
The club was established in August 1911 and the current clubhouse opened its doors in 1982.
The council is now inviting feedback from the community on draft concept plans for the new building prepared by architecture firm TERROIR.
Mayor Sue Heins said the new facility would meet the changing needs of the club and the community.
“With an increase in club members and volunteers, particularly female, not to mention the massive increase in tourism to Manly Beach, we need a practical, better life saving club befitting this stunning location,” Cr Heins said.
“Volunteer life savers play such an important role in keeping us all safe at the beach, so it’s vital they have the very best facilities to support their efforts.”
TERROIR has provided two versions of the designs, which include a two-storey or three-storey building.
Club officials have frequently told authorities that it had has insufficient training and education facilities, poor toilet, shower and changing rooms as well as a lack of storage space for rescue and training equipment.
A representative of the club’s building committee, Kyeema Doyle, urged the public and club members to make a submission and take the council survey linked to the project.
“We want to have input from the community as well as our members for what is an important public facility in an iconic location,” Ms Doyle said.
The council was expected to submit a development application next year.
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