Construction is about to start on a new surf lifesaving facility at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular beaches.
Sunshine Coast Council will replace the ageing surf lifesaving boat shed at touristy Kings Beach with a modern and more resilient structure to improve safety, capacity and accessibility for lifeguards, lifesavers and beachgoers.
The current facility, a worn building that sits south of the main surf club, is used for storage due to its closeness to the main patrol arena.
The changes will create an upgraded lifeguard tower, office, kitchen/canteen and improved storage space for beach safety equipment.
The project is funded by the council, with additional funding through the Caloundra South Infrastructure Agreement, which requires developer Stockland to contribute to agreed infrastructure projects outside the Aura development.
The Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club (Mets) was founded in 1933 to patrol Kings Beach.
The club evolved from the Brisbane-based Metropolitan Life Saving Club (est. 1924) which moved its patrols to the area, establishing a permanent presence that has served the community for more than 90 years.
Councillor Terry Landsberg said the project would bolster safety.
“This is about providing a facility that will enable our lifeguards to continue delivering services to keep our beach users safe,” he said.
“The new facility will boost safety, improve accessibility and help our teams respond faster when it counts.”
The project was scheduled to start in May and is expected to take about a year.
The redevelopment includes the removal of the existing structure, and constructing the new, single‑storey contemporary building.
The design considers the needs of lifeguards and lifesavers, nearby homes and open space, the coastal pathway, existing vegetation, visual amenity and projected climate impacts.
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To keep beach‑safety equipment secure during construction, temporary storage containers will be placed in the parkland beside the headland car park and water play area. These will be removed once the new building is ready.
Temporary safety fencing will be installed around the construction zone. Sections of the coastal path, footpath and adjacent street parking will be closed at times, with detours in place. Short‑term closures of Ormonde Terrace may be required. The wheelchair beach access and beach matting will be temporarily unavailable.
