Northern Beaches Council last night agreed to call for tenders to construct the Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club, bringing the long-awaited project another step closer to fruition.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the community has had considerable input to this much-needed asset that has seen three stages of public consultation since the project was approved to commence in 2016.

“Over 98 years the Mona Vale SLSC has a history deeply rooted in the community. Membership has boomed from 700 to 1100 people in a decade, but the clubhouse is now inadequate for a growing club and is restricting broader use in the Mona Vale community,” Cr Regan said.

“Development of the new facility has been a very positive and strong collaboration between Mona Vale SLSC, the local community, Northern Beaches Council, and the State Government.

“The new building will be on the existing site over two levels, with an expanded floor space that will provide valuable services to the community and significantly benefit our professional and volunteer lifeguards.

“It will include a cafe, restaurant, nippers’ facilities, storage for the local board riders club, function space, a first aid room, family change facilities and improved accessibility with a particular focus on minimising its environmental impacts, such as the use of solar panels and recycling rainwater.

“Thanks to Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club who has worked closely with Council to ensure this vital asset will soon be available to its members and the wider community for decades to come.

“The new clubhouse will mean our lifesavers will have fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives and supporting their community.”

An earlier public consultation found that 94 percent of the community supported the draft concept design and was well supported.

The tender will be run prior to Christmas, with construction expected to start in March 2021.

Progress is also well underway for the new Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club with the tender expected to go out shortly. It is hoped that construction will commence in early 2021.