North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club Facility Design and Planning Project 2026/27

Primary location: 46-50 North Avoca Pde, North Avoca NSW 2260

 

Planning for the Future: Developing a modern, safe, and fit-for-purpose surf club facility, that will support the core business of surf lifesaving, community beach culture and education, through inclusivity and diversity.

“We’re super excited at the prospect of a new surf club building at North Avoca, and the benefits and opportunities it will offer to our members and the extended community. Our clubhouse has served us exceptionally well since 1999, but beach safety standards and community needs have evolved significantly over 27 years. Major coastal projects take years of careful planning, and because we are run entirely by volunteers, we are starting the journey now to get it right.” – Kim Findlay, NASLSC President.

Kim continues – “A new surf club building will meet today’s stringent building codes, accessibility standards, and fire safety regulations. It will support the scale, diversity, and operational demands of a modern rescue facility.”

“New facilities will provide us with modern updated spaces that meet the needs of our growing club well into the future. Planning for the future needs to start now. This planning stage is just the beginning, there will be many years of work in this process, and it all takes time and volunteers. We’re currently paving the way for the future of our club.” – John Avis, NASLSC Building Committee, and Club Vice President.

“It’s time to create a future-proof facility, a building that is functional to our members and delivers what the community that we serve needs well into the future. I have been a small part of this club for 40 years, growing up as a nipper in the old, condemned building, moving into the current building we have today. It has served our club well for that time, it’s worked hard housing our volunteers and keeping the beach safe. But now we plan for the next 40 years and where we will need to be. Changes in the services we offer to members and opportunities for our community have expanded the clubs reach, capability and overall community expectations. Capturing all the good our current building has done in its life and transferring it into this next chapter of the club’s history, will ensure it remains a focal point for the community and our members for generations to come.” – Matt Slattery, NASLSC Building Committee, Junior Activities Chair, and Life Member.

John adds – “The new clubhouse is not a luxury – it is a necessary investment in beach safety, healthy lifestyle, and social inclusion. Acting now ensures that our beach remains a safe, vibrant, and inclusive space for every member of the club and wider community. Improved facilities will serve and accommodate our ever-increasing membership base.”

Kim concludes – “We are very fortunate and grateful to have the support of the NSW Office of Sport, Central Coast Council, and our local MP Adam Crouch. We were recently awarded a funding grant by the NSW Office of Sport, and this will considerably support the preliminary design and planning stage, through to concept drawings and DA preparation.”

“Once these concept drawings and plans are prepared, we will have a tangible presentation that we can take to our members and community as part of a professional consultation process. We look forward to sharing milestone achievements along the way.”

Strategic Justification

The development of a new surf club building will improve the quality of our facilities by incorporating best practice design principles to ensure they are safe, adaptable, inclusive and accessible.

Celebrating Our Past, Planning for Our Future

Built in 1999, our current clubhouse was constructed to the regulatory, compliance, and operational standards of its time. For nearly 30 years, it has worked incredibly hard housing our volunteers, serving as a trusted community hub, and keeping North Avoca beach safe.

However, over the last three decades, building codes, accessibility standards, fire safety regulations, and community expectations have evolved significantly. What was best-practice in 1999 can no longer support the scale, diversity, and operational demands of a modern rescue facility. Rather than continuing to exhaust club resources on temporary maintenance for an outpaced facility, the Board is proactively planning a clubhouse that meets today’s stringent standards.

By incorporating best practice design principles, a new surf club building will deliver a centre of excellence, a facility that is safe, adaptable, inclusive, accessible, maximises operational efficiencies, promotes community engagement, and supports the long-term sustainability of Surf Lifesaving operations.

Using best practice design principles, the new building will feature flexible training and meeting spaces, equal amenities for all genders, improved beach access for people with disability, secure storage for lifesaving equipment, and an equipment service and maintenance work space.

The use of sustainable materials, solar energy, and water-efficient systems will reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

A new North Avoca SLSC clubhouse will create a lasting legacy – a resilient, future-ready facility that enhances beach safety, community wellbeing, and active lifestyles for generations to come.

The development of a new surf club building will increase the use of our facilities by community groups and the public.

A new and significantly improved surf club building will create a ‘social hub’ for North Avoca and the extended community. It will be an inclusive environment delivering great social, well-being, and educational outreach programs.

Our club currently accommodates community groups such as North Avoca Board Riders Club, Pilates classes, and meetings of various support groups. A new club building will no doubt entice more community groups to book our spaces and concurrently provide more space to accommodate them.

A new building will be clean, functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, it will provide spaces that people enjoy coming to and keep returning to.

With outstanding views and an updated, flexible function space, the facility will serve as a premier gathering space for community milestones, club functions, and private celebrations, creating a reliable revenue stream that directly funds our volunteer lifesaving operations.

The development of a new surf club building will remove barriers to participation particularly, for women, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.

The new building design will feature updated bathrooms and changerooms, improved lighting, and more organised and secure storage areas, to enhance comfort and safety.

A universal building design will include accessibility considerations for people with disability, mobility issues, and the elderly. Our ongoing accessible beach access project, which will include the installation of sand matting, and our Inclusive Nippers program, will be greatly supported by improved facilities.

Family-friendly features will be considered during the design phase, to make the club a more welcoming and accessible space for women with children. The new clubhouse will provide a great space to host mothers’ groups, women support programs, and women surf days.

Cultural influence will be central to the design. Our club will continue traditions such as Welcome to Country to open meetings and events, and smoking ceremonies at the first patrol of the season.

We plan to provide cultural awareness training to increase member understanding of diverse customs and modesty needs, and provide ‘surf safety’ or ‘women only’ programs that cater for new Australians.

We will ensure future marketing and club materials reflect diverse identities and families. We will continue to host inclusive events, such as Rainbow Beaches and others, to ensure the club reflects and celebrates all members of our community.

The development of a new surf club building will improve our financial and environmental sustainability.

The development of a new surf club building will provide substantial benefits to both the financial and environmental sustainability of our club, ensuring its long-term viability and community impact.

From a financial perspective, a modern clubhouse will attract more members, including families, youth, and community groups, and increase membership revenue.

The facility can also generate additional income through the rental of event spaces, hospitality services, and creating diversified revenue streams.

At the same time, energy-efficient design and durable construction materials will reduce ongoing operational and maintenance costs, maximizing financial efficiency.

From an environmental perspective, the clubhouse will be designed to minimize its ecological footprint.

The use of recycled, locally sourced, and low-carbon building materials will minimize the impact of construction on the environment, whilst durable, weather-resistant materials will extend the building’s life-span and reduce waste over time.

Solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and climate control systems will reduce electricity consumption, while rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures will conserve water. Waste management and recycling infrastructure will support sustainable practices by both members and visitors. Additionally, the clubhouse can act as a hub for environmental education and advocacy, promoting beach conservation, sustainable surf practices, and marine stewardship within the community.

By combining financial resilience with environmentally responsible design, this project ensures the new surf club building will remain a sustainable, vibrant, and responsible institution, supporting both people and the coastal environment for generations to come.

The development of a new surf club building will meet identifiable needs within our community.

Enhancing Community Safety and Engagement;

Surf clubs provide the frontline protection against drowning and coastal accidents. Our club’s current facilities have served the organisation well for many years however, they have not kept pace with the growth of the club or the changing demands of contemporary surf lifesaving operations. With increasing membership, expanded training programs, and a greater focus on accessibility and community engagement, the club has outgrown many aspects of its existing infrastructure. The redevelopment will provide facilities that better reflect the needs of a modern, inclusive and sustainable surf lifesaving organisation. A redevelopment will provide dedicated training areas, secure storage for rescue equipment, and advanced communication systems, enabling volunteers to respond swiftly to emergencies and improve overall beach safety.

Additionally, the surf club will act as a community hub, offering educational programs and workshops on water safety for schools, youth groups, and residents. By fostering awareness and participation in surf lifesaving activities, the facility will strengthen local engagement and build a culture of safety. Families and visitors will feel secure knowing that trained volunteers operate from a well-equipped facility.

Promoting Health, Recreation, and Social Inclusion;

The need for a new building and amenities extends beyond lifesaving.

The new surf club building will address the community’s need for accessible recreational and social spaces.

Surf sports and water-based activities offer substantial physical and mental health benefits, including improved fitness, resilience, and stress reduction. Currently, limited facilities restrict participation, particularly for the disabled, seniors, and people from diverse backgrounds.

A modern surf club building with multipurpose spaces will address and remove these barriers to participation, ensuring broader access to active lifestyles for all members of the community.

By hosting events, volunteer initiatives, and educational workshops, a new facility will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, to foster social inclusion and community cohesion.

Local youth in particular, will benefit from structured opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and community connections.

Project Scope and Detail of Inclusive Design

Delivering a major infrastructure project is a massive undertaking. As a volunteer-led organisation, our Board and Building Committee are balancing this vital project alongside their roles as active lifesavers, community members, and work commitments.

Securing approvals, engaging in thorough community consultation, and locking in construction funding is a multi-year process. By launching the planning phase now, we ensure our volunteer club has the runway required to carefully, transparently, and successfully bring this project to life without disrupting our core, weekend lifesaving operations and nipper programs

Project Overview

• Design and construction of a new surf club facility to support surf lifesaving operations, member activities, training, and community engagement.
• The project in its entirety includes planning, design, approvals, construction, fit-out, and handover.
• We are currently in the initial planning and design phase.

Planning & Design Phase

• Site assessment and feasibility study;
  • Evaluate site conditions (geotechnical, environmental, coastal impact, and flood risks).
  • Assess existing infrastructure and services availability (water, power, sewage).
• Concept design development;
  • Prepare architectural concepts addressing functionality, sustainability, and coastal resilience.
  • Engage stakeholders (club members, council, community, lifeguards).
• Design development and documentation;
  • Prepare detailed architectural and engineering drawings.
  • Integrate accessibility, inclusivity, safety, and surf club operational design requirements.
  • Conduct cost estimation and value engineering.
• Regulatory approvals;
  • Secure planning permits, coastal management consents, and building approvals.

Here is a brief overview of what has occurred to date:

• Thorough Due diligence report established using subject matter expert data.
• Council consultation.
• Architect firm engagement for concept planning and DA process.
• Brief established and drafted.
• A funding grant has been secured for the purpose of assisting us to the DA phase.

The funding is secured under a stringent payment schedule and is issued for the completion of each milestone in the planning and safety compliance stage. The funding will not see the project through to construction stage.

• Architect currently developing early concept plans and renders.

What’s next?

• Conduct a multifaceted and professional, member and community consultation process. Construction will not commence, and budgets will not be finalised, without the completion of a thorough consultation.
• Concept adoption.
• DA establishment.
• DA lodgement.
• Once DA has been approved we will establish a grant and finance acquisition process based on draft planning that is currently underway.

The design process will be guided by environmental specialists, building and development experts, and member and community consultation.

The new surf club facility will be designed to meet the needs of diverse community users, including surf lifesaving members, families, young people, and people with disabilities.

Community workshops, surveys, and accessibility audits will inform key design choices.

Sustainable design features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and durable coastal materials reflect community priorities for environmental responsibility.

The design process will be guided by consultation with club members, local residents, and environmental specialists, ensuring the facility is functional, inclusive, resilient, and unobtrusive to neighbouring properties.

Overall, the new surf club will strengthen community participation, support lifesaving operations, and provide a welcoming, sustainable hub for recreation and beach safety.

Design Principles

Inclusive and Universal Design Principles.

The new surf club facility will apply inclusive and universal design principles to ensure equitable access, safety, and enjoyment for all users.

Examples of universal design principles may include, step-free pathways with non-slip, textured surfaces, and handrails to connect parking, amenities, and the beach.

Other design considerations might include, wide circulation routes, automatic doors, accessible change rooms, and family-friendly facilities to accommodate diverse needs.

The incorporation of sustainable building materials will maximise durability and the life span of the building.

Smart lighting, solar energy, and rainwater systems will improve efficiency, while shaded outdoor areas and quiet spaces promote comfort.

The inclusion of native landscaping will celebrate local culture and environment, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable community hub for all beachgoers.

Functional Design Principles – flexible, adaptable (future proof).

The new North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club will be designed for functionality, flexibility, and long-term sustainability. The layout will separate wet operational zones from social and training spaces, ensuring efficient circulation and accessibility for all users.

Adaptable spaces will allow for reconfiguration as club activities evolve and grow. Multipurpose areas will allow spaces to transform for training, community events, club functions and seasonal changes.

Durable building materials will ensure longevity in the harsh coastal environment.

The design will integrate smart building technologies for energy management, lighting, and security, ensuring efficient operation and adaptability to future systems.

Sustainable practices, including passive solar design, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting, will reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Traffic and parking impacts will be professionally evaluated to minimize neighbourhood disruption.

Together, these materials, technologies, and design strategies will deliver a resilient and versatile facility that meets current needs and remains adaptable to future community and environmental demands.

Environmentally Sustainable / Climate Change Resilient Design Principles.

The new North Avoca Surf Life Saving Club will be designed for environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and longevity, by using durable building materials suited to the harsh coastal environment.

Passive design, solar panels, battery storage, and energy-efficient systems will reduce emissions and operating costs.

Rainwater harvesting, efficient fixtures, and considerate landscaping will conserve water and support dune stability.

Prefabricated components and on-site waste reduction will minimise construction impacts.

The project will demonstrate leadership in sustainable coastal development by integrating innovative materials, renewable energy, and adaptive design to ensure long-term functionality and protection of the North Avoca coastal environment.

Designing for Operational and Financial Sustainability.

The new surf club building will be designed to achieve long-term operational and financial sustainability through efficient, low-maintenance systems and smart resource management.

Durable, locally sourced building materials will minimise maintenance and replacement costs.

Energy-efficient technologies—including solar panels, LED lighting, and motion sensors—will reduce ongoing power expenses.

Water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse will lower utility costs while supporting environmental goals.

The building will be designed for multipurpose community use, presenting opportunities to generate revenue through events, training programs, and other partnerships.

Passive design principles, including natural ventilation, shading, and orientation to maximise daylight, will reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Together, these measures create a cost-effective, low-impact facility that supports long-term financial resilience and efficient day-to-day operations.

Designing to Include New Technology and Innovative Approaches to Health and Safety.

The new surf club building will integrate advanced technology and innovative design approaches to prioritise health and safety for all users.

The design will feature improved visibility and passive surveillance through open layouts, and strategic lighting to increase member and visitor security.

Updated emergency response technologies will support and enhance lifesaving operations.

Considerations around modular construction methods and sustainable prefabrication will reduce site hazards during build stages, ensuring a safer, more efficient construction process.

Planning for the Future

Our Board and Building Committee are looking forward to sharing concept plans and renders, and we will welcome feedback and questions via an impending member and community consultation process.

We are very excited by the benefits and opportunity a new building will provide to our surf lifesaving service, our members, and the wider central coast community.

Images are for illustration purposes only

Concept pictures are AI generated, not indicative of concept plans.

We look forward to working with our community to ensure the final, actual design fits seamlessly into the North Avoca landscape.