Dendy St Beach life saving complex is approved by council
A NEW life saving complex has been given the tick of approval in Melbourne’s inner bayside, despite concerns over size, environmental impact and liquor licences.
Inner South
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A NEW life saving complex has been given the tick of approval in Melbourne’s bayside, despite concerns about its size, the environmental impact and liquor licences.
The Bayside City Council has approved a new life saving club complex for Dendy St Beach to replace the ageing Brighton Life Saving Club, with the new pavilion to feature an indoor and outdoor cafe, terracing, a training area and storage for equipment for the club.
The council finally approved the controversial $8 million project, which also involves drainage works, public toilets, a raingarden, car parking and landscaping changes, at their December 20 meeting.
Brighton Life Saving Club treasurer and chair of their building committee, Tim Bolton, said they had been working on the new building for several years.
“We’re very happy with the approval; the club is 60 years old and has well exceeded its useful life,” Mr Bolton said.
“We’re pleased that in a couple of years the community will have a state-of-the art new facility.”
Opponents had rallied against the proposal, saying the pavilion would become a de facto restaurant, pub and function centre.
Objector David Fenton said the proposal was excessively large in two ways.
“The actual building itself is too big, and we think the cafe component is too big as well,” Mr Fenton said.
The council in November amended their plan to rule out including a liquor licence as part of the planning permit for the venue, but whoever operates the cafe lease can still apply for one themselves.
Bayside Mayor Alex del Porto said the design would ensure that the iconic location can be safely enjoyed now and into the future.
“We are building a new pavilion firstly for the lifesaving club and its members to be able to perform their training and their duties in a modern facility,” Cr del Porto said.
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