A new chapter in the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club and Community Facilities upgrade project

7 August 2023

Waverley Council is advising the community that our updated development application (DA) for the Bronte Surf Club and Community Facilities upgrade project has been formally submitted.

The DA is now live to view on Council's DA Tracker using reference number DA-455/2022 and will be assessed by the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel [the approval authority].

Warren and Mahoney Architects completed the updated design for the proposed upgrade which responds to feedback from the approval authority and the Design Excellence Advisory Panel*.

The revised design for Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. Image: Warren and Mahoney Architects

WAM designed the new Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club and Beach Amenities and has experience in high-profile community buildings.

The updated design Incorporates Designing with Country and principles and addresses:

  • beach safety through separation of public seating areas from the lifeguard viewing station
  • conflicts between operational movements to/from the beach and park and the public using the coastal walk
  • protection of the facilities from beach inundation and flooding
  • accessible movement to, through and within the building
  • generosity of coastal walk and stairway between the northern headland and main park area
  • physical and visual connections between the park and beach.
  • storage facilities for park and beach maintenance and Club management
  • waste storage and management.

An artists impression of the proposed rooftop of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. Image: Warren and Mahoney Architects.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the proposed upgrade by the Council in partnership with Bronte Surf Life Saving Club [Bronte Surf Club] will see the existing, clubhouse building demolished to make way for a new, sustainable facility meeting the needs of the Council, contemporary surf lifesaving and the wider community.

Bronte Surf Club President, Basil Scaffidi said updates to the DA include removing some of the top floor bulk, providing a better connection to the sandstone cliff, grass hill and promenade, increased accessibility around the clubhouse and honouring the heritage pump-station to the rear.

Highlights of the proposed upgrade include:

  • A balance of female to male facilities
  • family change rooms and accessible amenities
  • administrative offices
  • kiosk, gymnasium and multi-purpose room
  • training and meeting room
  • the promenade will also be upgraded.
  • adequate facilities to train over 200 lifesavers per year and teach young nippers (currently almost 850)
  • fit-for-purpose lifeguard and lifesaving facilities including adequate storage and training spaces
  • lifeguard facilities with change rooms, first aid, and lifeguard tower (to align with Surf Lifesaving Australia requirements and recommendations)
  • council staff amenities and storage
  • patrol first aid area

The proposed design as viewed from Bronte Pool. Image: Warren and Mahoney Architects.

Waverley Council voted to increase its funding contribution by $2.9 million to $7.5 million. Bronte Surf Life Saving Club’s funding contribution is $2.03 million. Funding was also received from the Federal Government ($2 million) and NSW state government ($345,000).

The community has until Monday 4 September 2023 to make a submission. To make a submission, email dasubmissions@waverley.nsw.gov.au or write to the General Manager, PO Box 9, Bondi Junction 1355. Submissions must include a name and address and reference DA number DA-455/2022.

For history about the project, visit https://haveyoursay.waverley.nsw.gov.au/bronte-surf-club-and-community-facilities

Warren and Mahoney Architects will be presenting an overview of the amended design at a community briefing being held at the club on Sunday 20 August from 3.30pm to 5pm.

-ENDS-

Media inquires: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532. Click here to access images.

*The DEAP was formed to ensure design excellence and quality design outcomes of the project for the community. The Panel’s role is advisory only and its recommendations and advice are used by the approval authority in the assessment and determination of the DA.