THE first stage in the construction of the new $2.2 million Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Lifesaving Club headquarters began this week when work started on demolishing the old 1970s era clubhouse.
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The new building is expected to be completed in August 2015, in time for the summer surf lifesaving season.
The club was awarded the money for the new building in the federal budget in 2013, largely through the efforts of then local federal MP Rob Oakeshott.
Prestigious architectural firm Neeson Murcutt designed the new building.
It has to occupy the exact same footprint because of crown land lease requirements.
Local building firm O’Donnell and Hanlon won the contract to build the clubhouse.
Demolition of the old club is expected to be completed within a fortnight pending the removal of a small amount of asbestos in the building.
Work on the clubhouse was originally intended to begin in February for completion in August to avoid disrupting the surf patrol season.
Kempsey-Crescent Head Surf Lifesaving Club captain Scott Edwards said it had been a long process to get to this point but the result would be worth it.
“There were a lot of details that needed sorting out and it is a big project for us,” he said.
“We wanted to make sure we had everything we absolutely needed in the design and then sort out what we wanted.
“It was all about getting it right and it is very exciting to finally see it happen.
“I think people will be happy with the look of the building and from a club perspective it will be low maintenance, which is important.
“It has been a big effort to get here and it has been the combined efforts of the Australian government, the NSW government Surf Club Facility Program, NSW government Community Building Partnership Program, generous local donors and many years of fundraising by the club to get to where we are now.”
