A deteriorating landmark building at one of the region’s most popular beaches is set to be replaced.
The Kings Beach surf lifesaving facility, positioned centrally on the foreshore off Ormonde Terrace, will make way for a new structure that can accommodate the needs of lifeguards and nippers.
The brick block known as the ‘boatshed’ is well known to many locals and is easily seen by tourists who make their way to the beach.
It serves as the operational hub for Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguard surveillance and equipment storage. It also functions as the clubhouse for the Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club juniors.
But its time has come.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the building had been battered by the elements.
“With an approximate lifespan of 34 years, frequent use and exposure to harsh coastal conditions, the facility requires replacement to enhance functionality, compliance and durability,” they said.
“Council intends to demolish the existing structure and construct a new facility of comparable size, subject to review by the State Assessment and Referral Agency for the proposed concept design.”
Council is developing an initial concept design, which is anticipated to be finalised later this year.
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The spokesperson also said extensive consultations had been conducted with the committee of Met-Caloundra and representatives from SLSQ regarding the facility’s redesign.
The design development and construction are set to take place from 2024 to 2026, subject to weather and site conditions.
It’s estimated to cost $4 million. There was a $600,000 allocation in the 2023-24 council budget, to support design and early construction works. But it’s not yet clear how the rest of it will be paid for.
“Future grants may be sought to support the project,” the spokesperson said.
Met-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club president Brett Magnussen welcomed the council funding for the new building.
“This much-needed community facility will accommodate our volunteer surf lifesavers and nippers as well as the lifeguard service,” he said.
“The new facility will replace the ageing ‘boatshed’ building and provide improved functionality, which better enables us to sustain a volunteer surf lifesaving service for Kings Beach in the longer term.”
A Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesperson said the facility would be crucial.
“The proposed rebuild of the Kings Beach surf lifesaving facility is in early planning stages with stakeholders including SLSQ, the state government and Sunshine Coast Council as the current facility has reached the end of its service life and requires redevelopment,” they said.
“The redevelopment will address several key factors including improving ageing infrastructure and updating facilities to meet current codes and standards, and providing more modern facilities.
“The planned rebuild will ensure that the club’s volunteers are better prepared to handle emergencies and perform life-saving operations effectively while supporting the growth of the club through an enhanced nipper and family member experience.
“This upgrade will directly contribute to reducing the risk of drowning and other beach-related incidents, thereby improving overall beach safety for residents and visitors.”
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