Standing room only as the renovated Red Beach Surf Club building was officially opened. The redeveloped clubhouse. A lighter moment came when Rodney MP Mark Mitchell presented the Mayor with a pair of junior sized club emblazoned speedos. Mayor Phil Goff declares the redeveloped clubhouse open. From left, club president Mark Schieb, patrons Pat and Bryan Heron and Mayor Phil Goff. Photos, Jeremy Fourie
Thirty-five years after the Prime Minister at the time, Robert Muldoon, opened the Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club clubhouse at its current location, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff declared the redeveloped clubhouse building open on Saturday, November 17.
The clubhouse was packed to the newly painted rafters – among those at the event were Rodney MP Mark Mitchell, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Julia Parfitt and deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald, funders and sponsors, club members, neighbours, friends and members of the local community.
After the blessing outside, club president and building committee chair Mark Scheib told the assembled guests that the building project began 10 years ago with the addition of a concrete deck extension above and showers and toilets below. In 2012, after receiving an $80,000 donation from patrons Bryan and Pat Heron, the club prepared a master plan and extended the building to the north, adding the Heron Room above and equipment storage below. In 2013, a $336,000 grant through NZ Lotteries, enabled the club to add the IRB shed and meeting rooms, and make a start on re-cladding the exterior.
In 2014, $100,000 from the Boocock Family funded most of the bar and kitchen refurbishment.
Last year the club secured funding of $396,000 from Council and $200,000 from Foundation North to complete the redevelopment and get the clubhouse to its current state.
Finally the club has been able to take down the ‘Under Construction’ signs and can enjoy its new clubhouse and headquarters.
