The Northern Beaches Council has given initial approval to the redevelopment of a new clubhouse at Long Reef Beach in Collaroy. Following years of deliberation and meetings between members of the Long Reef SLSC and council officials, an agreement has been reached with regards the $6 million renovation project.
The submission of the development application (DA) will be filed in May 2019. Once filed, the Northern Beaches Council anticipates that construction will start by April 2020.
The Long Reef SLSC worked with architects and designers, conducted consultations with the community, and prepared reports to get this project underway. In January 2019, the club presented a full report with inputs from the following groups below to gain a Council endorsement:
- Long Reef SLSC Exec Committee
- Board Riders Group
- Manly Surf School
- Local Residents
- Environmental groups
- Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches
- Key user/hirer
- Local Community Rep (incl Youth)
- Save Long Reef
However, the Council also asked for an alternative concept design for the new Long Reef SLSC clubhouse following an objection from a small percentage of the community, which did not like the original configurations. Concerns were raised regarding the building’s height, the lack of an enclosed courtyard, and the addition of community lockers.
Over 500 people shared their comments and opinions about the new clubhouse’s design. At least 96 percent agreed that the redevelopment is due.
“Northern Beaches Council voted to ALLOW the construction on a new clubhouse to commence in April 2020,” a statement read on the Long Reef SLSC Facebook page. “This is a fantastic result that we had all been working towards, and look forward to being apart of the next chapter of Longy!”
