Narrabeen Lake Sailing Club (NLSC) was promised the construction of a new clubhouse after the previous one burnt down in 2021. Now, more than three years on, Northern Beaches Council says they can’t pay for it.
At least, not yet.
“This fire destroyed our building. Destroyed a lot of our stored equipment. The big problem was that our boats are fibreglass, plastic and aluminium, and those things are not very amenable to fire,” Publicity Officer for NLSC, David Loomes, told Manly Observer, standing in front of the makeshift storage facility that replaced their clubhouse.
“So that took out almost everything we had.”
The blaze took 27 firefighters an hour and a half to extinguish. In the end, the building was destroyed and later demolished.
For three years, NLSC has been using shipping containers, donated by Council, as a substitute for equipment storage—an acceptable temporary alternative, especially as the upcoming replacement build was far grander.
Community consultations led the Council to design a new clubhouse with public restrooms, a meeting room, plenty of storage, a cafe, and a canteen area. The building itself is estimated to cost around $1.7 million, but after floodproofing, this number is expected to rise to over $3 million.
Council received $1.9 million for the insurance payout this week as well as the deed of release for the building, but even this won’t cut it.
NLSC says the club is trying to negotiate a cheaper alternative.
“Unfortunately, they didn’t put a price on that replacement building. They knew that the old building was insured for about $1.3 million, but they didn’t give any indication, as far as I can see, to the architects, that was about their budget,” David said.
“But after three years, they’ve come back and said, we haven’t got the money for it. So we’ve thought, hang on, let’s see if there is an alternative. So we investigated demountable buildings and found that they can be done a lot cheaper… The advantage of demountables is that they sit on piers or piles, and they can be set at any height that you require.”
The sailing club approached Council with a demountable design which would be similar to the Balgowlah Oval sports amenity building constructed in 2020, which cost around $900,000. NLSC’s proposed design was closer to $100,000, with the idea that more facilities could be added on later.
However, Northern Beaches Council told Manly Observer this idea was not recommended as it would not be the most cost-effective option long term and it would be difficult to adapt the modular design with public amenities and broader community uses planned for the new facility.
NLSC’s main concern isn’t cost or adaptability but rather the survival of their club. In the three years since the fire, their ability to gain long-term members has been hindered, and expanding their learn-to-sail fleet has faltered, resulting in a decrease in volunteers.
“What we really need is somewhere to get out of the weather.”
“What we really need is somewhere to get out of the weather. Our old building, when we moved, was full of equipment, but we could quite easily move the motor boats out, and we had space to get out of the weather and to have meetings, have teachings, have classes for the juniors,” David said.
“It’s important because it is the oldest sailing club in the area. It operates on such a safe waterway, it is good for young people.”
Northern Beaches Councillor Vincent De Luca says he thinks the club has waited long enough for a new site.
“I have nothing but sympathy for the Narrabeen Sailing Club,” thr Narrabeen Ward council member said.
“They are concerned about the significant delays, and they are very anxious and eager to have the matter finally resolved, particularly in their 120th anniversary this year. So I think we all know, the longer this matter goes on, increased costs will arise.
“It is important that Council gives it urgent consideration and actually finalises a matter. And let’s not forget, as they have put to Council, extensions can be put on a building later on, for a restaurant, a cafe, etc.”
Council stated although additional funding is required for a suitable replacement, the payout now allows them to explore grant options to cover the shortfall. – the outcome of the special variation process will also be a variable.
Previously Council said progress for any detailed design work was impossible until the insurance money was paid. After a long wait, they now plan to meet with the sailing club to discuss next steps, next week.
It’s been a tough innings for the Narrabeen Lake Sailing Club but they’ve stuck through, organising fundraisers and negotiating faster solutions, even after constant drawbacks.
“I guess the main thing we have struggled through. We’ve survived with what we’ve got, but we haven’t really been able to expand and take full advantage of the club,” David said.
Council is unsure when construction will begin for the club.
If you’d like to donate to the NLSC’s new clubhouse construction you can do so here.
