Bronte Beach is about to get a brand-new jewel on its shoreline! Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club, established in 1903. The transformation promises not only a stunning new home for the club but also improved beach safety, better public facilities, and exciting new spaces for the community.
This week, Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh joined dignitaries and Bronte SLSC President Basil Scaffidi to turn the first sod, marking the start of construction. The old clubhouse, which has proudly served since the early 1970s, will soon make way for a state-of-the-art multipurpose building designed to carry Bronte’s lifesaving legacy into the future.
What’s Coming to Bronte Beach
Due for completion in 2027, the new facility will feature:
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Enhanced lifeguard and lifesaving operational areas
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Public amenities for beachgoers
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More inclusive spaces for volunteers, members and families
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A rooftop garden with priceless ocean views
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New facilities for council’s park and maintenance teams
The development also includes wider infrastructure upgrades, such as a new promenade, sea wall, footpaths, and a turning circle roadway—making Bronte Beach more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
A Legacy Since 1903
Founded in 1903, Bronte SLSC is widely recognised as Australia’s first surf lifesaving club. For more than a century, its dedicated members and volunteers have kept locals and visitors safe in the surf. The current clubhouse was groundbreaking in its day, but after 50 years, it’s time for a new chapter.
“This redevelopment is incredibly exciting,” said Bronte SLSC President Basil Scaffidi. “We’re proud to be delivering a building that will support lifeguards, volunteers, and the Bronte community for decades to come.”
Nippers – The Heart of the Club
For many local families, Bronte SLSC is synonymous with Nippers. Every summer, hundreds of kids hit the sand to learn surf safety, teamwork, and confidence in the ocean. The new clubhouse will provide even better facilities for this much-loved program, ensuring the next generation of lifesavers has the space and resources they need.
A Community Effort
This landmark project is being delivered by Waverley Council in partnership with Bronte SLSC, with support from both the Australian and NSW Governments. Temporary facilities have been set up to ensure lifeguards, maintenance crews, and volunteers can continue their vital work during construction.
Mayor Will Nemesh summed it up perfectly: “This project is about ushering in a new chapter for an important community hub—and the writing of that chapter begins today.”
With a modern new clubhouse rising over Bronte’s golden sands, the future of surf lifesaving—and family fun on the beach—looks brighter than ever.
A new chapter in the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club and Community Facilities upgrade project
