The Surf Life Saving Club Rebuilding Program

Over the past 15 years you would have noticed many clubs have undergone major refurbishment or rebuilding.  This has been made possible by the current funding arrangement involving the State Government, local councils and Surf Lifesaving SA where the development costs are shared on  a 56/33/11% basis respectively.

Funding from the State Government is now available for Semaphore to undergo a refurbishment and the Club’s Building Committee is working on getting the detailed design work, relevant council building approvals, tendering process etc underway in order to commence physical work in early 2016 in line with the Board of Management’s proposed timeline.  The initial expectations are that the building works will cost around $1.8m with the Club to fund 11% of that.

Works upstairs will include relocating the internal stairs with a new entry point in the eastern part of the club, an upgrading of the toilets, the removal of the dividing wall to make one single open area, and new sliding doors to replace the windows that face out onto the balcony.  Downstairs work will include significant structural changes to make better use of the space which will result in a new first aid room and a well overdue upgrade of the change room facilities.

As the project proceeds information will be provided to members to keep you up to date.  Currently, the architects that the club has engaged have commenced developing the detailed design work with the expectation that a first draft will be available for viewing and feedback from members within a few weeks.

On another note, at the time of writing this, it is expected the deed of funding with the Commonwealth Government for the new shed facility will be signed by Surf Lifesaving SA by the end of the week.  This will release the funding and allow Owen Richards and his team from Blubuilt (the successful tenderers) to commence building in the not too distant future.  Included in the funding agreement will be a new PWC (jetski) and an ATV which SLSSA is currently sourcing.

Certainly some exciting times ahead for the Club.  If you have any fundraising ideas please feel free to share them.  We are all in this together.  Many hands make light work.

Regards,

Pat Hansen

Chair

Semaphore SLSC Building Committee