The Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club welcomes the community to enjoy its newly-built clubrooms.
The Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club has moved into its new clubrooms after a storm in July 2018 damaged its former facilities.
Strong winds and rain lashed the Aldinga coastline on 6 July 2018, causing the front pergola on the nearly 40-year-old building to lift from its fixings and break away from the building, removing 70 per cent of the roof as it rolled across. Rain flooded the building, and roof sheets were blown into the carpark 100 metres away.
Council had no plans to renew the clubrooms prior to the storm, but in September 2018—after considerable assessment of the asset and a subsequent Council report—Council approved demolition and full replacement of the damaged building.
Fortunately, at the time of the storm, the new storage facility that was arranged to be built at the rear of the land parcel behind the clubrooms hadn’t commenced construction. Governing body Surf Life Saving SA had secured funding of $460,000 from the City of Onkaparinga as a contribution towards the storage facility project cost of $1.4 million.
“Before winter 2018, our idea was to rebuild the storage facility out the back of the club and renovate the main clubrooms instead of knocking it down,” says Aldinga Bay SLSC president Paul Hibbird.
A project team was formed at the outset of the new clubroom facility project, including partnerships between council and club representatives. The modern and robust building was designed by INTRO Architects in line with the Plexus Program, a strategic asset management plan created by Surf Life Saving Australia to redevelop all Surf Life Saving clubs in South Australia.
Council has contributed $1.6 million to construct the 400 square metre facility, which is open plan and designed to maximise enjoyment of its beachfront location. The building features a bar, kitchen, training and entertainment area, office, and storage for equipment. The bar and dining facilities for members and the broader community will provide an income stream for the club.
“The clubrooms are the closest community building to the beach in all of Aldinga,” says City of Onkaparinga Director City Operations Kirk Richardson.
“The building has been constructed with longevity in mind, including a big, long, flat roof with minimal penetrations, a nearly solid steel structure protected by the exterior of the building, and a glass frontage.”
The concrete, iron, steel, glass and paint chosen as part of the building’s construction will withstand the high salt and wind load in the location with minimal maintenance required.
The club has been able to operate emergency service and club activities onsite while the new clubrooms were being built. Club leaders are excited about welcoming the community to the new facility this summer.
“We invite the community to come and have a look at the new clubrooms; have a coffee or a drink and enjoy yourself.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming new members and returning families to our club,” Paul says.
MORE INFORMATION
https://aldingabaysurflifesavingclub.com
Pictured
President Paul Hibbird with club members talking in front of the new club facility.