The Bondi Surf Club has received unanimous approval from Waverly Council for a redevelopment that will see the club better cater to its 1,500 members.
Waverley mayor Paula Masselos announced the approval on 3 June, stating the conservation and upgrade project would address accessibility challenges, equally redistribute the ratio of male to female facilities, improve space for nippers and return open space to the local community.
Designed by Lockhart-Krause Architects, the redevelopments will address some of the functional deficiencies of the existing building, with 50 percent of facilities to be dedicated to women to better reflect the club’s membership. Refurbishments also include the restoration of a portion of the heritage-listed building, with the addition of a public courtyard and kiosk, basement storage, and a new rear extension.
The redevelopment will include a new publicly accessible courtyard.
Image:
Lockhart-Krause Architects
The Bondi Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club was formed in 1907, making it the world’s oldest surf club, and the original clubhouse was built in 1934.
“The design preserves and restores the original clubhouse in all its glory, modern lightweight additions highlighting the original,” the architect said. “The proposal removes intrusive additions, reducing bulk and scale and allows the exceptional heritage of the 1934 original building to be appreciated in the round. Views to Campbell Parade are reinstated, supporting the heritage setting.”
The project will be delivered alongside the council’s $25 million project to restore and upgrade the neighbouring Bondi Pavilion, overseen by architect Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. The pavilion overhaul is expected to be completed by spring.
Designs for the restoration were submitted to council in 2021 after they were first revealed to the public in 2020. This most recent application was the third lodged for the clubhouse received no objections from the public. Lead architect Jesse Lockhart-Krause said this showed the community understood the project and supported its mission.
Construction is scheduled to begin on the conservation project in 2023.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
