Bronte Surf Club: Upgrades approved despite Waverley Council division

Plans for “long overdue upgrades” on an eastern Sydney surf club are set to commence, despite a council being split down party lines over last minute concerns. Here’s what’s planned.

An artist’s impression of the finished redevelopment. Picture: Waverley Council

A Sydney council has been split down party lines over plans for significant upgrades to a “falling apart” surf club in Sydney’s east.

The “generational” upgrades to Bronte Surf Club will go ahead despite Waverley council being split down the middle over the significant project.

The estimated $32.3m project, which has been several years in the making, will revamp the 1974 facilities into a “striking multipurpose building” boasting a function room and gym, increased storage space and a kiosk.

At the heart of the proposal are the significant upgrades to lifeguard facilities, incorporating designs which offer improved views of the beach for lifeguards.

Mayor Will Nemesh said the “significant community asset” was set to become a “focal point and hub of activity at Bronte Beach”.

The $32m redevelopment has been described as a “significant community asset”. Picture: Waverley Council

Construction company Belmader has been appointed head contractor to deliver both the project’s final designs and construction phases, with early site investigations due to kick off this month.

However, despite development approval being granted in April 2024, the “significant milestone” was just a margin away from being delayed further with half of Waverley council voting against commencing the works on April 29.

A render of the proposed function room at Bronte Surf Club.

The vote was all but split down party lines, with Greens, Labor and one independent councillor voting against the motion, while Waverley’s six Liberals voted in favour.

It was only because of a casting vote by Mayor Nemesh that the motion was able to pass and the upgrades were greenlit.

A rescission motion lodged last week by former Labor mayor Paula Masselos and independent Steven Lewis was withdrawn at the eleventh hour during a confidential extraordinary meeting on Tuesday night.

Cr Masselos told this masthead the rescission motion was because there had been too many unanswered questions over a “very complex contract”.

“We needed confidence to be clear in the contract, and that we were acquiring our fiduciary responsibilities properly. We don’t want this to turn into North Sydney pool.”

However, Liberal councillor, Joshua Spicer said the opposition from fellow councillors underscored “an appalling lack of commitment to beach safety”.

The plans divided the council. Picture: Waverley Council

“I’m shocked that such a critical piece of community infrastructure, after years of planning, was opposed by Labor and the Greens, and only passed with the Mayor’s casting vote. our community deserves better than partisan theatrics and grandstanding,” he said

Cr Spicer also said the project was “long overdue” as the current building from 1974 was “falling apart and in terrible condition”.

“Nevertheless, I’m excited that this long overdue upgrade to Bronte Surf Club is finally commencing; it’s a fantastic investment in Bronte Beach that will enhance amenity and safety for all who love and visit Bronte Beach,” he said.