A unique new surf club building which will serve as an integral hub for the local community has officially opened this weekend.
The long anticipated rebuild of the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club and associated community facilities comprises of three buildings, on a similar footprint to the previous club, built around a central landscaped courtyard.
It includes the two-storey surf club fitted out with a gym, first aid room, training rooms, function space, and surf club storage as well as a separate public amenities block, a bespoke café and community storage lockers (including for Council Lifeguards and the local Board Riders Club).
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Council has worked extensively with Long Reef Surf Life Saving club and the Stakeholders' Working Group to develop a purpose-built facility to balance the needs of those who will utilise the facility.
"Long Reef is a rare jewel on Sydney's Northern Beaches, a sanctuary for native flora and fauna and the people who come from near and far to escape the suburban sprawl and reconnect with nature," Mayor Regan said.
"This facility will provide a welcoming centre of activity for the broader beach-loving community, and a long-term base for future generations of volunteer surf life savers to share their skills, conduct vital patrols and provide a safe beach environment for everyone to enjoy.
"It's modern and functional whilst being sympathetic to the spectacular location in which it sits, right by Long Reef beach."
Peter Kinsey, President of Long Reef Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club said the new site will not only help support the Club but enable it to continue to protect the community on the beach and provide its 1000 members a new family-friendly facility that they along with locals and visitors can enjoy.
"I said when the fences went up that I was sad to see the old buildings go, but it was well and truly past its used-by date. This new site is both spectacular and functional," Mr Kinsey said.
"I am so glad I could be here to witness its completion after being part of the Club for more than 60 years. It's a real special feeling."
Local artist Leesa Knights was selected to design a two-dimensional artwork that integrates into tiered concrete seating adjacent to the building.
