Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, Waverley Council plans revealed
One of Sydney’s best loved beaches is to be transformed with two long overdue major developments set to finally come to fruition. SEE THE STUNNING PLANS
Wentworth Courier
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An eastern suburbs’ beach which is a favourite haunt of locals is set to be completely transformed with two long overdue major developments just metres from the sand.
Bronte Surf Life Saving Club had $12.9 million plans for their long campaigned for new club house endorsed for public consultation by Waverley Council this month.
The development will replace the current club house, which is literally falling apart due to extensive water damage.
The plans are open for public feedback until June 3.
All going well, the council will submit a development application this year and construction will start by August 2021.
Meanwhile council has also submitted a $1.4 million development application of its own for the nearby redevelopment of the amenities block and community centre.
The existing block would be completely demolished and two new community rooms and public rest rooms would be constructed.
In order to avoid a potential clash with the life saving club plans, council last month conducted interim repair works to the amenities block to tide them over until both development applications are finalised and a timeline for their construction can be agreed.
The new surf life saving club house will include lifeguard and first aid facilities, family and accessible public amenities, administrative offices, kiosk, gymnasium, function room and training and meeting rooms.
The promenade will also be upgraded for all users of Bronte Beach.
Funding for the new club house is yet to be finalised.
Waverley Council has tipped in a generous $4.63 million, the surf club has fundraised just over $2 million, the federal government contributed $2 million and state government $345,000 leaving a $2.9 million shortfall.
Bronte club president Basil Scaffidi said as the development application had not been submitted let alone approved, the cost was not final and he hoped to successfully apply for further grants, fundraise and appeal for donations.
“The current club is simply outdated. When it was built nearly 50 years ago, it serviced 200 members with little community use. At that time surf lifesaving did not allow female members or nippers,” Mr Scaffidi said.
“Today the membership is vastly different and nearly 10 times bigger including 800 nippers. Every year we have 200 active patrollers, 75 water safety personnel and 45 cadets volunteering a massive 12,000 hours to keep Bronte safe.
“We are now a recognised Emergency Service. We need a new club so we can continue to save lives. Continue to do what we did on the night of February 1 and where we saved 11 lives.
“The building is in terrible condition as you can see and council has decided to rebuild as maintenance is becoming more frequent and more expensive.”
The Bronte club amenities do not comply with current standards
and the existing building has been subjected to numerous storm surge inundations over the years.
To give your feedback on the club house visit Waverley council's feedback website.