Mentone Life Saving Club redevelopment to get underway
A major redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving Club precinct will get underway late next month.
The $11.8 million construction approved by Council, and funded in the 2021/22 Draft Budget, will see the existing club building replaced with a brand new state-of-the-art facility, with a publicly-accessible roof top viewing deck among its many features, thanks to a partnership between Kingston Council and the Victorian Government.
The total project cost is $14.5 million with Council receiving just over $2 million from the State Government towards the project as well as $500,000 in Commonwealth Government Stimulus funding.
The redevelopment will include a Changing Places facility to provide toilet and changing facilities for people with high support needs, modernised public toilets and change facilities, and a separate wheelchair friendly pedestrian ramp with access to the foreshore.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Council was thrilled to be able to kick-start work on this exciting and important project that will revitalise the Mentone Life Saving Club precinct and improve accessibility.
"The Mentone Life Saving Club is an important and very well-used community asset, but the current aged building is in desperate need of modernising to future-proof this important asset," Cr Staikos said.
"Our Life Saving Clubs are vital community facilities that provide a range of beach safety services for the tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy our beaches each Summer, as well as essential training in swimming and surf safety."
Como Ward Councillor Chris Hill also welcomed the commencement of the project. "Importantly the redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving precinct will really open up the beautiful foreshore area at Mentone for all members of the community to access and enjoy," Cr Hill said.
"Council has amended the plans based on community and stakeholder feedback, to ensure this project meets community expectations."
The foreshore precinct redevelopment will also include outdoor showers, and improved vehicle access to the lower promenade to support Mentone Life Saving Club operations and emergency vehicle access.
The main building will incorporate sustainability features such as rain water tanks, solar panels, efficient glazing and water efficient fittings. The existing car park and drainage will also be significantly upgraded to improve stormwater quality to keep Port Phillip Bay cleaner.
Construction is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Council will also consult with the community on a proposed new BBQ area and children's playground in the coming months.
To keep updated on the Mentone Life Saving Club redevelopment project visit kingston.vic.gov.au/mentonelsc
