The upgrade of two much-loved locations in the Waverley Council area, Bondi Junction's Boot Factory building and Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club, is now back on track with the signing on 30 June of a new construction company, Schiavello Constructions. The Schiavello team began work on the sites on 3 July, commencing detailed clean-ups and site audits.
Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said that Council is not only committed to ensuring the upgrades are completed but also excited that the facilities can soon be enjoyed by the community.
"We are pleased to have signed Schiavello Constructions, a company with an excellent track record in delivering complex and innovative restorations and builds across Australia, including those with significant heritage considerations", Mayor Masselos said.
Work on both projects ceased in March 2023 when head contractor, Lloyd Group, went into voluntary administration.
The Council is transforming the former shoe making factory and the adjacent Mill Hill Community Centre into a civic innovation hub of the future. The restoration of the Boot Factory will mean breathing new life into the buildings and includes:
- a bridge connecting the Boot Factory and Mill Hill Community Centre so they can share facilities including a lift
- a café at the Spring Street entry to the precinct with street and courtyard presence
- upgraded Community and Seniors Centre
- flexible community spaces on the ground floor and top floor of the Boot Factory and the Mill Hill Community Centre
- upgrades to Norman Lee Place.
In partnership with Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Waverley Council's major revamp of the iconic surf club building will include:
- improved facilities for female members
- better vantage points for beach surveillance during patrols
- improved environmental sustainability
- additional storage space for rescue equipment
- improved areas for education and training activities such as First Aid courses
- capacity for broader use by community groups and members of the public
- modifications that address acoustic bleed to neighbouring properties.
This Tamarama project is part funded by the Australian Government via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program. The program supports local Councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
