Long Reef’s new surf club building officially opens

Located on Sydney's northern beaches, Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club’s new building which will serve as an integral hub for the local community officially opened over the weekend. The building contract was awarded to Grindley Interiors Pty Limited.

The long anticipated rebuild of the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club and associated community facilities comprises of three buildings, on a similar footprint to the previous club, built around a central landscaped courtyard.

It includes the two-storey surf club fitted out with a gym, first aid room, training rooms, function space, and surf club storage as well as a separate public amenities block, a bespoke café and community storage lockers (including for Council Lifeguards and the local Board Riders Club).

Peter Kinsey, President of Long Reef Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club said the new site will not only help support the Club but enable it to continue to protect the community on the beach and provide its 1000 members a new family-friendly facility that they along with locals and visitors can enjoy.

“I said when the fences went up that I was sad to see the old buildings go, but it was well and truly past its used-by date. This new site is both spectacular and functional,” Kinsey said.

“I am so glad I could be here to witness its completion after being part of the Club for more than 60 years. It’s a real special feeling.”

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said Council has worked extensively with Long Reef Surf Life Saving club and the Stakeholders’ Working Group to develop a purpose-built facility to balance the needs of those who will utilise the facility.

Mayor Regan notes “Long Reef is a rare jewel on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a sanctuary for native flora and fauna and the people who come from near and far to escape the suburban sprawl and reconnect with nature.

“This facility will provide a welcoming centre of activity for the broader beach-loving community, and a long-term base for future generations of volunteer surf life savers to share their skills, conduct vital patrols and provide a safe beach environment for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s modern and functional whilst being sympathetic to the spectacular location in which it sits, right by Long Reef beach.”

This project is possible thanks to funding from the Federal and State Governments, Council, and the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club.

The building contract was awarded to Grindley Interiors Pty Limited. Among the many projects completed by Grindley Interiors are the build and fitout of a new café on level three of the Powerhouse Museum in Pyrmont Sydney and the refurbishment and remediation of the Little Coogee Café within the World Heritage Listed Parramatta Park.