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Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club says that the $20,000 it received from ratepayers, via a local board grant last month (HM July 19), will allow the club to step forward with its rebuild.
The grant is to be put towards a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the club’s building on Orewa Beach. The amount drew some criticism on Facebook, but the club’s chair of building, Zane Taylor, says it’s an extremely good price for Fay Freeman’s work. He says the company first quoted the club $20,000 three years ago and the fact that it honoured that amount is greatly appreciated.
He says that the feasibility study will be comprehensive and is very important, as the club will be delivering a sustainable community asset.
“Funding of our build will not happen without a robust process, and a feasibility study is paramount for any would-be financial contributors to the project,” he says.
In the meantime, there has been cleaning, painting, repairs and maintenance work underway on the outside of the existing building so that it can serve its purpose right through to the start of the rebuild. There is also a plan to revamp the interior.
“People have asked why we’re doing this when the building will ultimately be demolished, but as well as general and responsible maintenance, it’s about making the club a nicer place for the community to come to,” he says.
The club will host a major event, the Junior National Championships, in March next year and Mr Taylor says the club wants to be able to showcase the service it gives to the community, and its existing facilities, to competitors and the community alike during that event.
