The New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club officially opened on Saturday 30th October, after an 18 month build led by the Citycare Property team. The incredible new multi-use facility is a fit for purpose home for the Surf Life Savers of New Brighton beach. It is also a wonderful community event venue available for hire.
Creating an iconic building for an iconic club
The standout design by South by Southeast Architects, located right on the beach, was an intricate and technical build for the Citycare Property team. This was due to a combination of challenges including the site location, the tough environmental conditions, COVID delays and also the complex feature wave wall that required expert carpentry and an innovative build approach.
Craig Taylor, Citycare Property General Manager Southern Region, says the feature wall is a fantastic curve that represents a wave, however, to achieve the end-result the team had to utilise some new techniques.
“The building is clad in New Zealand Pinus Radiata which is specially treated to achieve greater longevity and to assist in reducing maintenance. This was important considering the harsh environment of the beach front. The building looks awesome and the whole project came together incredibly well. It is an important and iconic build for the New Brighton community and is another step towards the revitalisation of this beautiful beach town,” says Craig.
Of service to the community
The New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is manned by 60-80 volunteer Surf Life Savers over the busy weekend period, this important community organisation saves many lives every year. The build was funded by the Christchurch City Council, the New Zealand Government and the local community.
Stu Bryce, Regional Manager of the Southern Region for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, says the new building is certainly an upgrade from the old 1950’s cinder block facility that stood there before.
“It’s a great new space and has been designed to connect with the community and is a big part of the revitalisation of the New Brighton area. The building is designed to encourage the locals to sit on it, engage with it and in essence take ownership over it. We are excited to see the building become a part of this great community,” says Stu.
2021 brings a wonderful and fitting upgrade to New Brighton Surf Life Saving Club – the oldest surf lifesaving club in New Zealand – formed in July 1910.