Sign In / Register
Seventeen years since planning began for a new Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving community hub (in 2009) the organisation has high hopes of breaking ground on the project next August.
Building consent was obtained in March 2024 but before construction could commence, the club had to have the total funds required for the build in the bank.
Earlier this year the design of the complex was revised to bring that price point down to $8.16m. It was also adjusted to become a two-stage build.
Last week president Faron Turner confirmed that $7.5 million of the $8.16 million required for stage one has been secured, enabling the process to move forward.
“This is a significant milestone and reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of our community, funding partners, sponsors and supporters,” Turner said.
The revised plans approved by Auckland Council and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board reduce the overall building area from 1969sqm to approximately 1700sqm, while maintaining the original building footprint.
The development will now comprise a primary building of 1300sqm, a dedicated lifeguard tower of 32.5sqm, and a separate 320sqm storage building.
“This approach ensures the club can deliver a modern, functional facility that supports lifesaving operations, junior surf programmes and community use, while remaining realistic about the funding required to bring the project to life,” Turner said.
He said the focus now is on progressing stage one, securing the next $660,000, updated consents and putting spades in the ground as early as August 2027. The storage shed is planned as a subsequent stage as additional funding becomes available.
