The Sutherland Shire Council has outlined a revised plan to progress the long-stalled redevelopment of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club (NCSLSC).
The council is proposing a partial reclassification of land, stating it believes the plan will deliver “balance” between commercial viability and community uses of the facility.
At its July meeting, council put forward a proposal to reclassify a proportion of the land on which NCSLSC sits on, from “community” to “operational” land. The remainder of the site, including the surf club, heritage areas, and surrounding public land, would retain its current “community” classification.
According to council, the proposal would enable council to proceed with the redevelopment without placing financial burden on ratepayers and its original intent of partnering with a commercial operator.
“If adopted, this proposal will provide financial security for council to progress the redevelopment by enabling long-term lease arrangements with the preferred commercial tenant on the operationally classified portion,” Sutherland Shire Council mayor Jack Boyd said in a statement.
“This option would ensure a reliable income stream essential to recovering redevelopment costs and delivering the project without burdening ratepayers.
“Importantly, it would also protect the community’s interests by maintaining the remainder of the site as community land, where the full protections of the Local Government Act remain in place. This directly addresses key community concerns raised during the public exhibition about potential loss of community protections, privatisation, and the sale of land.”
Council’s plan will be considered at its September meeting alongside further options on how to complete the redevelopment works and ensure a long-term home for the club.
“I am thankful for the support of my fellow councillors to further explore this plan as the most fiscally responsible option to complete this project, and for the support NCSLSC board members have shown in advocating for this reclassification with their membership,” Boyd said.
The redevelopment, known as Project Phoenix, began in February 2022 with a sod-turning ceremony attended by then-prime minister and local MP Scott Morrison. It was originally scheduled for completion by February 2023, according to the construction program issued in November 2021.
However, in January 2024, the original contractor, Lahey Constructions, departed the site without completing the works. The club’s efforts to appoint a new builder in May were unsuccessful, and the project was temporarily suspended.
In July, NCSLSC formally requested assistance from Sutherland Shire Council. The council, a key stakeholder, agreed to take over the project, which is now estimated to cost $9 million to complete.
In September 2024, council issued an expression of interest to engage a new contractor. Several firms submitted proposals, but a final appointment had not yet been made.