Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving has resource consent for its new building on Ōrewa Reserve, and fundraising from the community has begun in earnest.
This includes grant applications and a number of different ways that individuals, businesses and organisations can contribute.
The surf club’s redevelopment committee chair, Zane Taylor, says there are a lot of uncertainties in the current economic climate around things like building costs.
The most recent estimate for the project was $8.5m (HM January 24). Around $1m has already been spent to get it to this stage, including a sizeable contribution from ratepayers via Hibiscus & Bays Local Board grants for feasibility studies and consenting fees.
A considerable proportion of what is needed – a further $4 million – is being sought towards the project from Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facility Investment fund. The money in this fund is allocated by Council’s Parks Arts Community & Events committee – no decisions have been made as yet. The local board is supportive of the application.
Taylor says there are many reasons why the community should get behind this build.
The most obvious benefit comes from the surf lifesaving service, which has a strong youth development programme and has performed 1200 rescues since it began patrols in the 1950s.
In addition, club volunteers also support corporate team building events, community events such as the Santa Parade and Surf Sounds and provide a social hub for individuals and families.
“These are all things the new Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Community Hub will better enable us to deliver on,” Taylor says.
The current clubrooms no longer provide for the needs of the club, or the growth in the surrounding area.
The new building is 1900sqm over two levels with an additional 150sqm of cantilevered deck. The building’s layout has been designed by Product X Architecture to provide for growth and diversity of use – particularly by the community.
Taylor says the ground floor houses the bulk of club operations, while the upper floor will provide flexible space for community use, including meetings, functions and events. It includes a commercial kitchen. The club restaurant and bar will also be open to the public.
He says the location of the building, which is around 23m further back towards the road than the current clubrooms, widens the adjacent beachside reserve area and increases the prominence of the building on Hibiscus Coast Highway where it can anchor itself as a local hub and landmark.
The club hopes to get its building consent application into Council by the end of August.
It is actively seeking community donations and has released sponsorship opportunities. Visit www.orewasurflifesavingcommunityhub.co.nz to view plans and register to get involved. Or contact the Project Hotline, 020 4122 1581.
