Well, it’s been a rollercoaster year so far, as we work through the issues with the required seismic strengthening, creating the best possible operational & functional layout, whilst aesthetically ensuring it will be a standout. To provide more details, I have broken down the various key aspects, that hopefully bring you all up to date.
Funding/ Project Timetable: With an individual contribution target of $650,000.00 along with the club’s contribution of $100,000.00 we are starting to “see the light at the end of the tunnel! Although we are still needing around $160,000.00, we are hopeful that this can be achieved over the months prior to the renovation start.
Fortunately, we have been able to have any shortfall of the $650,000.00 underwritten, which enables us to approach some of our key financial possibilities with a high degree of certainty.
We have had very positive discussions with Surf Life Saving New Zealand and expect advice from them within the next few weeks on the level of their support. We will also be submitting a significant funding request to the Lotteries board in July and approach our wonderful long term supporters Trust Waikato in the New Year. If all goes well on the funding front, we are hoping to push the build button the Tuesday after Easter Monday 2024!
Seismic Strengthening: Fundamentally, this is a requirement from central government that such public buildings meet a code relating to the building’s structural safety in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. Although compliance is not urgent, it would be foolish not to carry out such extensive work for the buildings’ longevity and address this issue at the time of the renovation.
A comprehensive engineering report was completed and all the required rectification identified, along with working drawings. The works will involve new foundations externally and internally and involve infilling the ground floor surrounding block work. Such work will not be possible unless the building has been fully evacuated.
Renovations and Upgrades: As most of you will be aware, the building requires reasonably extensive renovation, such as external cladding, aluminum extruded doors and windows, decking, roofing, electrics, and internal accesses.
In addition, the functionality of the club falls well short of the club’s requirements. The first issue is the small control tower which does provide adequate room for effective patrolling and incident control, additionally, there is no UV protection for patrol members on the tower deck.
Other issues are; the location of the club manager’s office, stair access to the tower and the first floor, poor insulation and internal natural lighting. With the proposed works the club will end up with a new modern and extended tower, with a new access staircase, a modern reception area with club managers offices and meeting room, an extended area of the present annex, with junior surf storage lockers, a wider and less acute angle stairway from the reception area with disability and materials access lift to the first floor, an additional meeting room on the first floor, a larger kitchen with server counter, a larger bar area for chillers and storage.
Externally we are looking at vertical aluminum powder coated cladding, improved larger roof skylights, along with a full-length front deck providing a magnificent area for beach front external use. Environmental sustainability is also high on the agenda, where we are addressing natural light, LED lighting, overall power consumption and general insulation.
The current plans (which have been lodged) reflect the very constructive member feedback we have received over a number of engagement sessions.
Existing Gear Shed- Accommodation Block: The very first phase of the renovation programme will be to extend the present gear shed area forward to utilise the area below the present deck (which requires replacement). This area with be fully enclosed with the roller doors moved forward and a new concrete sealed area placed at the front. This will effectively increase the original gear shed area by approximately 30 percent. The rear external staircase will be upgraded and matching vertical cladding as on the main building. This work will be completed before we start on the main building, so we will have a degree of storage and allow our call out squad to stay operational. Also, it is reasonable to assume that there will be the ability to get access to club IRB’s, Jet Skis, etc, during the off-season next year.
Next Steps: With the building permit lodged on the 12th June with the TCDC, it is hoped this will enable the club to call tenders for the works in early September with a proposed start date as indicated immediately after Easter 2024. The Completion target will be prior to the start of the 24/25 season, although there may be some areas still being completed during summer months.
Kind regards
Bryan Black
Please note: The extension areas are highlighted in yellow.