A new era for Bronte Surf Life Saving Club

09 September 2019 | Council News

9 September 2019

Waverley Council in partnership with Bronte Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has announced it will embark on a proposed $9 million redevelopment of the club and community facilities building.

The proposed redevelopment will see the existing structure demolished to make way for a new and sustainable building that will meet the needs of contemporary surf life saving,the Council and the wider community.

The new building will provide fit-for-purpose lifeguard and first aid facilities, family and accessible public amenities, administrative offices, kiosk, gymnasium, function room and training and meeting rooms.

Council’s Lifeguard tower will be relocated to a more suitable location to align with Surf Lifesaving Australia requirements and recommendations. The promenade will also be upgraded for all users of Bronte Beach.

Waverley Mayor, John Wakefield, said more than 1900 Bronte SLSC members, alongside Waverley Council Lifeguards and workers, use the surf club as hub for rescues, training, storing equipment and first aid.

“Waverley Council is very proud to be delivering a state-of-the-art facility so that Bronte Surf Life Saving Club can continue its tradition of helping keep our beaches safe since 1903,” Mayor Wakefield said.

“The Bronte Surf Club building project is being funded by a combination of federal, state and Council grants as well as a contribution from the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club . A Council/Club joint project control team will oversee the project to ensure all necessary financial and probity measures are in place. The project will result in significant improvements to amenities, provide better lifeguard facilities, improve workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements and will ensure the service the Club provides to the community will continue into the future.”

Bronte SLSC President, Basil Scaffidi, said he hopes the new building will be able to attract and hold more members and lifesavers which is something the whole community will benefit from. The current club was built 45 years ago and a lot has changed.

“Back then, we only had 250 members, but we’ve seen a huge increase in community participation, especially women and nippers, now we are approaching 2000.”

“This new building will cater for the ever-increasing demands of life saving operations, all year training and better interaction with the community.”

The estimated budget of $9 million will be met by the Council ($4.625 million), Bronte SLSC ($2.03 million) and both NSW State ($345,000) and Federal ($2 million) governments to agreed funding amounts.

The community will be engaged for consultation at two key milestones across the project, from 16 September to 6 October and again from 19 November to 6 December 2019. This community feedback will inform the design of the new clubhouse and shape the guiding vision for the project. Once the final design is endorsed, construction is expected to commence in mid-2020.

For more information visit: waverley.nsw.gov.au/brontesurfclub

To participate in the survey visit: haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au