It ’ s taken five years for the current plans to finally be approved , and redevelopment was ready to roll at the beginning of this year . But there was a hiccup at the eleventh hour . Objectors , some of whom don ’ t even live on the Gold Coast , were parties to legal action against the whole project on environmental grounds . At hearings in August this year , Queensland ’ s Environmental Court dismissed the objections . “ Sanity prevailed ,” is the term used by Rob , his board members and Councillor Taylor .
So what can we expect from the brand spanking new Kurrawa Surf Club premises ?
Rob Aldus , Councillor Paul Taylor , and Stewart Palmer check over the redevelopment plans .
According to the architectural assessments , this will be a world class venue . “ The new Surf Club will see an iconic community-focused building that will become the jewel in the crown of a revitalised Broadbeach area ,” says a media release .
From a practical viewpoint , the new facility will provide increased storage space for life saving equipment , including rescue boats and associated vehicles . There ’ ll also be training and recreation rooms for nippers as well as senior life savers . At the adjacent ground level , a café area will spill out into a spacious public undercover forecourt providing a venue for parkland joggers , cyclists and families with a stop-over for a cup of coffee or a snack .
At the upper level , an expansive dining lounge and bar will give club goers and diners the same spectacular views of Kurrawa Beach as those they now enjoy from the old club ’ s veranda .
And there ’ ll be a sophisticated games room with modernistic lighting and décor for those who love a punt on the pokies . The club has a current battery of 63 gaming machines , with licence to increase the number to 80 . “ The 80 have been incorporated into the new design ,” Rob Aldus said . Meanwhile , heavy machinery is at work on the club ’ s foreshore . Councillor Taylor explains that it ’ s part of the Gold Coast ’ s multimillion-dollar foreshore protection program to establish sea walls , in the wake of recent devastating storms .
“ In the case of Kurrawa , the club is going to make a substantial contribution as part of the conditions of approval . That ’ s for the club ’ s long term benefit ,” he said .
December 2017 certainly will be a red-letter month in the history of the Kurrawa Surf Club as the doors of its new premises welcome members and visitors .
There ’ ll be a gala opening , but its format is yet to be decided . Rob Aldus is playing his cards close to his chest . “ There ’ s a fair way of the build to go yet ,” is his smiling comment .
“ An estimated $ 10 million-plus price tag , and a completion date of December 2017 ”
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