In 2019 we asked what values and activities were important to you which helped form this design.

Below we have listed the key elements of the design.

New lifeguard facilities with change rooms, first aid, and lifeguard tower (to align with Surf Lifesaving Australia requirements and recommendations).

The community consultation demonstrated this was people’s first priority. This design has relocated the lifeguards to a higher vantage point within the Club. The first aid rooms are located on the promenade level, accessible by emergency services and also visible to community members.

Guiding vision #1 'Natural environment'

The building is sustainable, integrates and highlights the natural environment and uses durable materials.

The consultation identified that the ‘natural environment’ principle was the highest priority for the community and the design team has worked to ensure that the building will integrate with the park environment, managing storm protection, soil conditions and maintaining the amount and quality of green space surrounding the buildings.

The preferred concept locates the two buildings against the park’s northern headland. It is suggested the community facilities building includes a green roof to allow integration of the environment and sustainable practices. Both buildings have been designed to respond to storm surge and sea level rise whilst maintaining the integrity of the sandstone cliff face.

Materials like masonry and timber will be used for their durability and as a way to minimise upkeep and maintenance costs. They will age well and will merge with the surrounding environment.

Both the Surf Club and Community Facilities buildings will be as sustainable as possible.

Environmental sustainable measures to be used on this project include solar panels integrated into the main building roof, low energy fixtures and fittings, rainwater harvesting, maximised natural daylight and ventilation throughout, green concrete mix and recycled sustainable hardwood cladding.

The building has been separated and the community facilities have been relocated.

During consultation, the community expressed concerns about the impact on the unique vista, in particular increasing the size of the community facilities in the current location. Removing the building from the beach frontage opens up a space for a public plaza. The facilities will be accessible by park, playground, beach and Coastal Walk users and the new location will not impact on views as it is behind the old club’s footprint.

The hut and BBQ will also be relocated within the park.

The Community Facilities building comprises of public amenities, toilets and changing rooms as well as Council staff amenities and storage.

Council staff amenities and storage - Council has up to 8 staff using these facilities at any one time. The new building will provide sufficient storage area for machinery and equipment used to maintain the park and also provide staff with toilets and a lunchroom.

Guiding vision #2 'Community hub'

A fit-for-purpose lifesaving/lifeguard facilities, welcomes members and the community, is a place where people feel comfortable to seek help and celebrates the rich history of Bronte.

Fit-for-purpose, modern and sustainable club.

Lifesaving activities will be facilitated by providing direct access between equipment storage areas and the beach, avoiding the Promenade. Spaces for life saving equipment and training have been designed to be flexible and support the changing needs of the club into the future.

This concept balances male and female amenities with room, storage and facilities for the 1,900 SLSC members and the community groups that use the Club’s facilities.

The new building includes purpose built first aid rooms, administrative offices and three flexible spaces to be used for training, functions and community uses with a new bar and commercial kitchen. The kiosk will also be incorporated into this building.

The club has been the early training ground for many of Waverley’s professional lifeguards and will continue to offer this opportunity for generations to come.

Family change rooms and accessible amenities.

The new community facilities building includes two family and accessible bathrooms.

Guiding vision #3 'Connected to the environment'

A building links to the beach, promenade, park, Coastal Walk and gully by seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The sunken area (aka the cubes / Dave Brown Place) has been relocated to the front of the promenade and park.

As an important community space, we increased and relocated this space along the main promenade, next to the club and plaza. The newly landscaped area will provide seating, universal access, surfboard racks and connects the beach, park and kiosk.

The promenade and stairs have been reconfigured to allow for easier access.

Community feedback reiterated the need to ensure the stairs and promenade managed the conflict between the users Coastal Walk, Surf Club and the Lifeguard area. The stairs have been redesigned so the Surf Club has direct access from the beach to their life saving equipment storage area. Council’s Lifeguards will also have direct access to the beach from a new observation area.

This concept considered all types of users and extends the stairs so they are at an accessible gradient.