Surf Life Saving is a unique not-for-profit charity and community service that only exists through community donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and government grants. Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world.
Australia’s first volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs appeared on Sydney’s ocean beaches in 1907. The first South Australian club was established in 1925 and the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1956.
The West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club is redeveloping its facilities at the corner of West Beach Road and Seaview Road following recent improvements to coastal protection works along this stretch of coast. Designed by Walter Brooke, the project features updated facilities for the Club (e.g. first aid, training and patrol facilities), along with upgraded dining, bar, function spaces and a large deck facing the Gulf.
The Club was keen to engage with the community prior to submitting a development application. This was done via community meetings and individual sessions with adjacent residents. This engagement helped to establish no in-principle objections to the design.
The project has now received planning approval and construction is expected to commence in early 2022.
Another successful integrated community engagement and planning service by URPS that means the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club continues its great volunteer-driven work.
