The full fund to revamp the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has finally been secured as the Randwick Council pledged it will cover the remaining $720,000 needed for the $3.6-million project.
Randwick Mayor Kathy Nielson confirmed the pledge in a press release. The funds will come from the Council’s ‘Our Community Our Future’ program since the Coogee SLSC building is regarded as a Council asset.
“The Coogee Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1907 and is one of Australia’s oldest surf clubs. The Coogee nippers is one of the largest in Australia providing local kids with positive and healthy activities while building their water safety skills,” Ms. Neilson.
Construction of the Coogee Surf Life Savings Club is scheduled for winter 2020 to include the following improvements, as stated in its development application (DA/897/2016):
- New external balcony along the eastern façade at the ground floor level with protective
- sea wall;
- Internal reconfiguration of the first-floor level to create an open floor plan, with the
- potential to be partitioned into three separate areas;
- Raising the internal floor level at the north end of the first floor to make it consistent with
- the rest of this floor level;
- New external east facing deck with glass balustrade and BBQ facilities at either end;
- New external entry stair;
- New concrete roof over the entry area extension, and new metal roof over the infilled terrace
- area generally;
- New glazing to the eastern and northern façade, and new high-level glazing to the
- western façade; and
- Reinstatement of the existing clock, external signage zones, relocation of the existing flagpole and new flagpole.
The rest of the money to complete this project will come from a grant given by the Office of Local Government Stronger Communities Fund worth $2.8 million, whilst $300,000 will come from the NSW Department of Industry Office of Responsible Gambling.
Originally built in 1907, the Coogee Surf Life Savings Club is one of Australia’s oldest surf clubs. Today, it has over 2,500 members.
Aside from swimming meets and competitions, the site is also used for private events such as weddings. The building was last upgraded in 2010. Prior to that, it underwent an upgrade in 1996, according to its current president, Matt Fernandez.
“We are one of the largest surf clubs in Australia, and this will upgrade will ensure the club’s longevity in the community, and create a place where people can have parties and events,” Mr. Fernandez told reporters.
The Randwick Council will oversee the building construction along with the members of the Coogee Surf Life Savings Club.
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