Coogee Surf Life Saving Club to be beautified with $3.6m makeover
With more than 1000 members and 700 active patrol volunteers, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club has ‘simply outgrown’ its iconic clubhouse. But it’s about to get a major facelift.
Coogee’s iconic surf lifesaving club is set for a $3.6 million makeover, after the last remaining funds needed to start work were committed this week.
Randwick Council on Tuesday night pledged $720,000 to the project, bridging its budget shortfall and signalled that work would begin in winter 2020.
Coogee Surf Life Saving Club’s president Matt Fernandez said the club, which has more than 2500 members and 700 people on active patrol, had “simply outgrown” its current facilities.
“The last upgrade was in 2010 and before that it was 1996,” he said.
“We are one of the largest surf clubs in Australia, and this will upgrade will ensure the club’s longevity in the community, and create a place where people can have parties and events.”
The upgrade will include a new balcony, deck and barbecue facilities along the club’s eastern facade, a reconfiguration of the top level into an open-plan space to provide rooms for events and teaching, and updated roofing, entrances and signage.
Founded in 1907, Coogee is one of the country’s oldest surf clubs.
Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said it provided local kids with an opportunity to lead “positive and healthy” lifestyles.
“The building is a council asset and it’s appropriate that council supports the great work of the surf club by allocating funds through the Our Community Our Future program,” she said.
The clubhouse is already a popular venue for beachside events, but its upgraded outdoor space with a 180 degree view of the beach would make it even more appealing, Mr Fernandez said.
More importantly he said, its new classroom facilities would provide a better space to educate the next generation of life savers on how to keep Coogee safe.
He estimated construction would take about six months, hoping the clubhouse was ready to roll for the start of 2021.
“It’s quite obvious now, I think everyone is aware of the record drownings this summer,” he said.
“It puts everyone on notice that we need to be at our best, and this facility will help that.
“It will be great for education, for attracting new members and upskilling our current members.”
The State Government has committed $2,880,000 to the project via its Stronger Communities Fund and through the Office of Responsible Gaming.
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