A historic Sunshine Coast surf club has revealed a concept design for a new clubhouse, with the vocal support of some of its surf sports stars.
The 107-year-old Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club on Tuesday showcased its vision for a new-look headquarters.
It came after the back of a luncheon last week, when the club unveiled plans for a new clubhouse, as the current one, built in the 1950s, was ageing and had insufficient space to accommodate members and supporters.
Club officials revealed the concept design for a new four-level building, with a bright blue facade and the iconic black swan logo above the main entrance.
A sub-level could include a large storage area for craft, equipment and a gym.
The ground floor could include another large storage room, loading dock, launch pad for drones, outdoor deck with tables and chairs, first aid room, social rooms, cafe and bar.
The second floor could include a bistro and sports bar, with scenic outlooks.
The third floor could include an expansive function room – with hopes it could play a role during the Olympic Games in 2032 – along with offices, meeting rooms, learning spaces and dorms.
There could also be a new-look outdoor area with amenities, next to the clubhouse, and a car park below it.
Some of the club’s lifesaving stars, including Alyce Wood, Sam Short, Olly Monaghan and Tiarnee Massie, featured on a club video, alongside the concept plans.
Ms Wood, a two-time Olympic kayaker and multiple Australian surf lifesaving championship medallist, said a new clubhouse would be crucial.
“I have learned so many skills in surf, in sport and in life (at the club),” she said in the video.
“I’m really passionate about giving the next generation of our club a facility where they can hone their lifesaving skills and give their time freely to the community.
“As you see in our vision, we have a very exciting future ahead of us … as we look to leave a legacy in our community.”
The club has 627 senior members and 342 junior members, and more than 10,000 supporter club members.
But club president Rob Elford said he has had to turn back prospective lifesaving members because the clubhouse was insufficient.
“We have had to cap our nipper numbers (at 350) because we don’t have the space for craft and equipment,” he said.
The new clubhouse is expected to cost more than $10 million to design and build, and it was hoped that levels of government would contribute the majority.
Mr Elford said work would be unlikely to start within the next few years but he hoped it would be finished in the years leading up to the 2032 Games.
A development application was yet to be submitted.
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