Bronte Surf Club $13.5 million upgrades reach DA milestone

By SASHA FOOT

The refurbishment of Bronte Surf Club has reached the development application stage after Waverley Council voted to forward the final concept design for approval. The expected $13.5 million upgrade forms a public-private partnership between the council and the surf club and will provide space for community groups and council staff. 

Original designs were knocked back in 2020 after the community found that the amenity block was too far from the water, and felt the building imposed on the coastal surroundings. Waverley Council recommended that the club proceed with an alternative design following a consultation report that raised the building’s primary flaws and informed design recommendations. 

Bronte Surf Club revealed the alternative concept plan in May before detailing the designs in the lead-up to the September 30th DA lodgement date. 

The final concept designs include further tweaks, such as an updated council-lifeguard layout, accessible cube designs, a raised floor for storm and flood mitigation, the development of a northern courtyard and an increase in accessible entrances. 

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos commended the club’s efforts in prioritising community consultation through design. 

Cr Masselos noted that community reception had been “very positive” and was “delighted” the design could progress to the DA stage. The mayor explained that meeting the DA lodgement date was critical to secure $2 million in funding from the Federal Government. 

Waverley Councillor Tim Murray noted his support for the courtyard addition. 

“The winter courtyard brings a space that is currently not used into a usable grassed space while contributing to the amenity of the park” Cr Murray said. 

Accessibility issues raised

Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak said he “reluctantly” supported the design as accessibility remained an issue. Cr Kanak added he was eager for accessibility to increase during the DA stage. 

“I will not vote for this design as is – hopefully, there will be a better design which is more accessible.”

Councillor Angela Burrill agreed with Cr Kanak, saying the stairs at the beach promenade were missing an essential handrail. 

“The stairs at the promenade don’t have a handrail, and they run right round a corner: that will be quite problematic for older people – but I am sure all those things in the DA stage will come out.”

Cr Burrill also questioned the integration of the sea wall, given it is not a current priority. 

“In the future, we must look at how the rest of the seawall will integrate with the rest of the building: it should be updated at the same time.”