Size of new SLSC shocks as plans released
Council has revealed that the budgeted $11 million for the redevelopment of Manly Surf Life Saving Club has shot up to between $18 and $20 million.
It has released a new ‘refined’ concept revamp plan for the club and will submit a development application (DA) for approval later this year, and conduct a community consultation.
The new plans were revealed days after 35 volunteers from the South Steyne Heritage Action Group (HAG) used their bodies to map out the footprint of the proposed redevelopment.
HAG member Susan Pettifer said it was not opposed to the redevelopment, but wanted the building to remain within the existing footprint.
“Most people support a new club,” said Ms Pettifer. “However, once they saw the plans marked out, they were surprised it would be so big. A common theme was: ‘Manly is not the Gold Coast.’
Protestors outline the enlarged site
Councillor Candy Bingham told PL that, although she was surprised at the size of the proposed building, refurbishing it was ‘just not possible.’
“It’s dilapidated, rusting, and you couldn’t rebuild it,” Cr Bingham said. “It’s on a confined site and has to incorporate public toilets and lifeguards. It’s a juggle to fit everything in.”
Cr Bingham said the club was one of Australia’s busiest, patrolling two sets of flags. “A (refurbishment) just couldn’t possibly deliver what they need.”
A council spokesperson told PL that the concept plans were informed by ‘extensive investigation of the site and constraints, user analysis (and) three rounds of community consultation.’
The new club will have ‘equitable’ facilities for female volunteers and better provisions for lifeguards, including a direct line of sight to the beach and access to drones.
Storage space for two trailers and a boat, currently on public land, were also incorporated.
Ms Pettifer said locals were critical of the council for ‘promising an expensive building it couldn’t afford.’
With costs escalating, council said all parties were collaborating to identify extra funding sources. Cr Bingham noted that if a DA was not submitted this year, a $5 million grant could be lost.
“The building has been delayed and delayed,” Cr Bingham said. “We can’t get that money until we are at a certain stage of the development. I think there’s got to be a compromise. This is only the first concept plan, and not final.”
The concept plans will be available to view on the council’s website.