The impressive new building anchored on Mona Vale beachfront ticks all the boxes: sympathetic to the environment in its design, sustainable and accessible, providing a function space for the community, while meeting the operational needs of lifesavers.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the beautiful new Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club exceeds all expectations.
"Lifesavers play such a vital role in keeping our community safe and it's important that their facilities are top notch," Mayor Regan said.
"This building meets all the practical requirements of surf life savers, but it is also flexible for a wide range of uses.
"This spectacular new building is an enduring legacy and something the whole community can be proud of."
Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club President Paula Tocquer is excited to open the doors of the new club building.
"The new club building is just amazing. The quality and the design is beautiful. So many locals have commented on how it fits into the surrounding landscape, and it looks fantastic from the water," Ms Tocquer said.
"The surf club is a building not only to keep the community safe but also as a place to meet, enjoy and gather. I am sure the Mona Vale community is just as excited as I am."
President of Surf Life Saving NSW George Shales said the new facilities will help the club's 1,200 members and lifeguards to keep the community safe.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in this project, it looks fantastic and will provide volunteer lifesavers with fit for purpose facilities to support their vital role in protecting the public," Mr Shales said.
"The new club will be a hub for the local community and hopefully attract more people to get involved in surf life saving in the future."
The $10 million project, which includes the new beach amenities block south of the main building, has facilities that are family-friendly and accessible. It caters not only for the surf club and its members, but also the local boardriders club, beachgoers and the whole community.
Elevated glass pavilions house the new restaurant The Basin as well as a lounge bar and function room capturing spectacular views of the beach and headland.
The ground floor houses the new Nine Yards café, first aid room, nippers' facilities, storage and public amenities.
Aboriginal art is also tied into aspects of the building with artists Michael Glasheen and Leslie McLeod commissioned to develop works for the outdoor space.
Shields are incorporated into the columns outside the café and marine figures are carved into the seating structures around the site, reflecting and celebrating Indigenous connection to Country.
This project was made possible thanks to funding from Northern Beaches Council, the NSW Government's Stronger Communities Fund and the Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club.
