Manly Life Saving Club: Long-awaited revamp could be short of funds
UPDATE: Northern Beaches Council agree to allocate $5m towards the Manly Life Saving Club redevelopment which has been estimated to cost $15m. Do you think it’s a good idea?
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Mayor’s call to cancel COVID-19 tribute sculpture on coastal walk.
- Residents oppose $3.3m development for Freshwater.
It’s been almost two years since the council started planning the redevelopment of Manly Life Saving Club but it is at least $5m short of funds.
The project has been estimated to cost $15m and on Tuesday, Northern Beaches Council agreed to commit $5m to the project from the existing ‘Surf Life Saving Major Renewals Fund’.
It means a total of $10m has been put aside after former Prime Minister and Federal Warringah MP Tony Abbott promised $5m last year which was “not an election promise, it is a budget commitment”.
Mr Abbott claimed it was “the most famous surf club in Australia” and that it “should not be falling apart and bursting at the seams”.
The surf club was built almost 40 years ago and now has over 1880 members, on a beach that has more than two million visitors a year.
Independent MP for Warringah Zali Steggall provided assurance over the $5m from the Federal Government.
“As one of my first orders of business upon being elected, I confirmed with the Prime Minister that the $5 million federal funds remain committed to the project,” Ms Steggall said.
“Since then I have worked to secure the release of those funds by way of a Deed, as per the grant guidelines.
“As the State Government funding has not yet been secured, I have been working with the Department of Infrastructure and all parties including the Manly Life Saving Club, Northern Beaches Council and the Member for Manly James Griffin MP to progress the development.”
In June 2018 the council made investigations into options for the redevelopment which found it was “functional and currently fit for occupancy, however, the level of amenity is impacted by the condition and compliance status of the building”.
It also undertook community consultation with public submissions made between November and December in 2018.
Mayor Michael Regan said they were waiting for funding from the State Government so they would have $15m for the redevelopment.
“It’s up to the State Government to commit the other $5m and James Griffin has been doing his best,” Cr Regan said.
“We agree with Tony Abbott that it’s the most famous surf club in the country and it’s iconic, because it is where it is and a surf club should reflect its status on the international stage.
“The building is in dire need of this investment. There are hundreds of swimmers who use it every morning called the Bold and the Beautiful, we want to make sure they have enhanced amenities, it’s a great all-age initiative.”
State Liberal Manly MP James Griffin said the council would already have $10m but he was hoping to secure additional funding.
“The surf club is one of the oldest and proudest of clubs in NSW and I personally did nippers there so I know it very well and unfortunately it hasn’t changed in its built form for decades,” Mr Griffin said.
“We’ve got the NSW budget coming up later in the year. Between now and then I’ll be making sure the government knows how important this redevelopment is for the club.
“While we hope there will be more than $10m already committed, I’ll be working with council and the club to bring a development with whatever funding I can secure.”
With $10m in funding the council will be able to move onto the design tender process.
The next stage will be submitting a development application which will be assessed by an independent planning panel.
Councillors Pat Daley and Rory Amon voted in favour of the project but had concerns about funding.
“I have major concerns about the expenditure during these difficult times,” Cr Daley told the Manly Daily.
Cr Daley said he would be urging the council to have a “holistic approach”.
“We want to make sure this will benefit the visitors as well, not just club members. It has to be an asset for the whole community.”