Warilla Surf Club Unveils Major Second-Storey Expansion Plan
The Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club has taken a significant step forward with plans for a major upgrade that will transform the facility and enhance its operational capabilities. A development application has been formally lodged with Shellharbour City Council, outlining comprehensive renovations that include the addition of a second storey to the existing clubhouse.
Government Funding Supports Vital Community Facility
This substantial infrastructure project will be funded through a collaborative effort between state and federal governments, recognizing the club's importance to coastal safety and community wellbeing. The proposed upgrade represents a significant investment in the region's lifesaving capabilities and recreational facilities.
Enhanced Training Facilities and Ocean Views
The plans include several key improvements that will modernize the club's operations. A new foyer will be constructed at the south-eastern corner of the building, while stairs and a lift will provide access to the proposed second floor. This upper level will be dedicated to training purposes, addressing current limitations in the club's facilities.
"There will also be a balcony coming off the renovations, and we'll be able to see the water from there," explained past club president Alan Beveridge, who is actively involved in the development process. "At the moment for us to go and look at the water, we have to walk down the beach."
This ocean-view balcony will provide lifesavers with improved visibility of surf conditions, enhancing their ability to monitor beach safety from the clubhouse itself.
Modern Training Spaces Replace Temporary Solutions
Currently, the club relies on gear sheds for training sessions, requiring constant movement of equipment. The new dedicated training rooms will provide a permanent, purpose-built space for lifesaving education and development.
"We can move the gear out and have an area in the gear shed, but it's not ideal because you keep moving things in and out all the time," Mr Beveridge noted. "Also there's more and more videos and more online training coming out, and it's more suited to have an area where you can bring in laptops and sit down."
Youth Space and Club Exclusivity
The first-floor area will be reserved exclusively for surf club use and will not be available for external hire, ensuring members have dedicated access to the improved facilities. This includes creating a valuable social space for younger club members aged 13 to 20.
"It gives our 13- to 20-year-olds an area during the day if they want to play table tennis or snooker or just hang out together," Mr Beveridge said. "That'll house their needs for just bonding together because being a competitive club, our blokes train together and also they do socialise together and at present there isn't really the space inside to do that."
Construction Considerations and Timeline
The adjoining cafe will remain unaffected by the renovations, but the club will need to make temporary arrangements for equipment storage during construction. "What the works may affect is we may have to shift a lot of our gear into containers because I'd imagine we'd have a security fence all around the proposed construction site," Mr Beveridge explained regarding access to inflatable rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles, and tractors.
The development application is currently on public exhibition until February 19, allowing community members to review and provide feedback on the proposed upgrade that promises to significantly enhance the Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club's facilities and operational effectiveness for years to come.
