North Wollongong's refurbished surf club and new protective seawall are one step closer with works starting on the multimillion-dollar major projects.
Site fencing went up around the North Wollongong clubhouse earlier this month following the wrap up of the 20/21 swim season and volunteer life savers moving their equipment from the building and into onsite shipping containers.
The fencing is also protecting community members from walking through a section of North Wollongong beach in front of the surf club building where work on the construction of the new seawall is getting underway.
The seawall works, which have been partly funded by a $4.2M grant from the NSW Government's NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants program, are a key element to protect the building and other assets from storm events and coastal wave damage. The seawall will also incorporate beach access and provide seating for the popular destination.
"These are two significant projects that we are running concurrently to minimise disruption to our community,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"This surf club building has been a feature of the local landscape for some 85 years and its refurbishment will see it move forward to become a clubhouse for the future. This project will ensure the surf life saving volunteers have an accessible, safe and functional building to use as a base.''
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this high priority project would build quality community infrastructure for future generations of locals and visitors to North Wollongong Beach.
"Wollongong City Council should be commended for commencing work on the protective sea wall which is going to keep local assets and nearby buildings safe, as well as making the beach a more accessible and enjoyable place for those who come to play at this popular South Coast destination," Mrs Hancock said.
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the commencement of work was an exciting milestone for the project.
"The NSW Government's Surf Club Facility Program supports the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf life saving facilities,'' Mr Lee said.
"North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club is an iconic building and the NSW Government is proud to provide a $309,000 grant to support the construction of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for lifesavers so that they can continue to protect resident and visitors to the Illawarra.''
Wollongong City Council accepted a $10.5M tender for the two projects in February. The projects continue Council's investment in the high profile precinct, and is the next phase of works identified within the Blue Mile Masterplan.
The works on the building and the first stage of the seawall are due to be finished by mid-2022 and in time for the arrival of the UCI Road World Championships to Wollongong.
"The surf club building is a local heritage item that sits alongside the State heritage-listed North Beach Precinct and I know there will be a lot of interest in both projects,'' Cr Bradbery said.
"I think the seawall will be of particular interest to our community once it's finished. This work offers a dual purpose – the concrete steps will act as a buffer for the building against significant wave action and will also provide a welcome spot to sit that's off the sand.
"Plus, a later stage of the seawall works (between the Surf Club and the Pavilion) will include new ramps to the beach which is part of Council's commitment to improve accessibility in the area to make it easier for everyone of all abilities to get on the sand.''
The works include:
Building:
- Reconfiguring internal spaces to suit modern surf lifesaving functions
- Installation of an elevator to provide DDA compliant access to the whole building
- Construction of additional balcony areas
- Plus, other works including asbestos removal, structural works to allow for building reconfiguration, replacement of doors and windows, installation of new wall linings, accessible toilet installation, ceiling replacement, complete electrical and lighting upgrade.
Seawall:
- Stage 1 of the replacement of existing crib lock wall in front of the Surf Club. The new seawall includes tiered precast concrete seating incorporating rock mattress protection below sand level.
- New seating, fencing, landscaping, lighting and stormwater upgrades.
This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Wollongong City Council.
