Coolum Surf Club is in the midst of a major renovation, after work on its $4.2 million northern alterations project kicked off in February.
The project, designed by Brad Read Design Group, marks the final phase of the club’s decade-long transformation. It will modernise and expand the northern section of the venue, enhancing its capacity, functionality, and street appeal.
“There’s been a strategic plan at the club for a long, long time, and all of our committee members have always had this mantra of leaving no legacy of debt,” said general manager Adam Mann.
“So, we’ve had fantastic leadership and fantastic committee involvement over many, many years, and this is kind of the last step in that masterplan to finalising this building.”
Originally approved by members in 2019, the project was delayed by Covid, but has resumed as the club’s financial performance strengthened.
“The members noticed the trading performance has turned, and we’re able to progress with the project now, finally,” Mann said.
Upgrades include a redesigned facade and entryway, an expanded member’s lounge, improved gaming layout, and a relocated outdoor smoking area. The northeastern balcony will grow by 66 square metres and an additional lift will improve access. Storage space for essential lifesaving equipment will also be increased.
“It’s really just about future-proofing us as a club and as an organisation,” Mann said.
“At some stage, we’re going to have a long-term look at the effectiveness of this building and whether we need to go down the path of some of the other clubs up here and knockdown and rebuild.
“We really wanted to finalise the project, and this one just gives us that street appeal and entry that we’ve been sorely lacking for quite a few years.”
Structural improvements to the northwestern corner of the building will also be addressed as part of the works.
“It just strengthens our commitment to being able to support surf lifesaving and really drive our community benefit fund forward as well,” Mann said.
The project is being funded through $2.2 million in club reserves and a $2 million loan from Bendigo Bank.
“We’ve always tried to not rely on government funding wherever we can,” Mann said.
“But obviously we lobbied for a little bit this time. This was always the business plan – $2.2 million in club reserves and $2 million loan from Bendigo Bank.”
Construction is expected to take six to eight months, with builder BADGE driving the project. The club aims to fully reopen by September 2025.