The renovated North Wollongong Surf Club and new seawall are a step further with work starting on large, multi-million dollar projects.

Site fences were fenced around the North Wollongong clubhouse earlier this month after the 20/21 swimming season closed and volunteer lifeguards moved their equipment from the building to on-site shipping containers .

The fence also prevents community members from crossing a section of North Wollongong Beach in front of the Surf Club building where construction work for the new seawall is underway.

The dike work, which was funded in part by a $ 4.2 million grant from the NSW Government’s NSW Coastal and Estuary Grants program, is a key component in protecting the building and other assets from storms and storms. coastal wave damage. The seawall will also incorporate beach access and provide seating for the popular destination.

“These are two important projects that we are carrying out simultaneously to minimize disruption in our community,” said Gordon Bradbery AM, Lord Mayor of the City of Wollongong.

“This surf club building has been a feature of the local landscape for 85 years and its renovation will evolve it into a clubhouse of the future. This project will ensure that the volunteers who save surfing lives will have an accessible, safe and functional building to use as a base.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock said the high priority project would build quality community infrastructure for future generations of residents and visitors to North Wollongong Beach.

“The Wollongong City Council is to be congratulated for starting work on the protective dike that will protect local assets and neighboring buildings, as well as making the beach a more accessible and enjoyable place for those who come to play on this beach. famous south coast. destination, ”Ms. Hancock said.

Sports Minister Geoff Lee said the start of work was an important milestone for the project.

“The NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility program supports the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf life saving facilities,” said Mr. Lee.

“The North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club is an iconic building and the NSW government is proud to provide a grant of $ 309,000 to support the construction of modern facilities tailored to the needs of lifeguards so they can continue to protect lifeguards. residents and visitors of Illawarra. . “

Wollongong City Council accepted a $ 10.5 million tender for the two projects in February. The projects continue the Council’s investment in the high-level forum and constitute the next phase of work identified in the Blue Mile Master Plan.

Work on the building and the first stage of the dike should be completed in mid-2022 and in time for the arrival of the UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong.

“The surf club building is a local heritage piece that sits adjacent to the state heritage listed North Beach neighborhood, and I know both projects will generate a lot of interest,” said Cr Bradbery.

“I think the sea wall will be of particular interest to our community once it is completed. This work has a dual purpose: the concrete steps will serve as a buffer for the building against significant wave action and also provide a welcome place to sit out of the sand.

“In addition, a later stage of the seawall works (between the Surf Club and the Pavilion) will include new access ramps to the beach, which is part of the Council’s commitment to improve accessibility in the area. to facilitate access from all levels. sand.”

The works include:

Building:

• Reconfiguration of internal spaces to accommodate modern surf rescue functions
• Installation of an elevator to provide DDA compliant access to the entire building
• Construction of additional balconies
• In addition, other work including asbestos removal, structural work to allow reconfiguration of the building, replacement of doors and windows, installation of new wall coverings, installation of accessible toilets, replacement of the ceiling. , the complete upgrade of electricity and lighting.

Dike:

• Step 1 of replacing the existing nursery lock wall in front of the Surf Club. The new sea wall features precast concrete seats on several levels incorporating rock mattress protection below the sand level.
• New upgrades to seating, fencing, landscaping, lighting and storm water.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW government in association with the Wollongong City Council.