The Mentone Life Saving Club redevelopment has been given the green light with Kingston Council approving the new $14.5 million facilities and foreshore precinct.
Funded by Council, the Victorian Government and a $500,000 Commonwealth Government Stimulus funding grant, the existing Club will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility with a new rooftop viewing deck, a registered “Changing Places” facility and modernised toilet and change facilities.
There will also be a separate pedestrian ramp, major stormwater improvements, better vehicle access to the lower promenade for MLSC operations and emergency vehicles, a renewal of the existing car park and significant landscaping improvements.
Construction is expected to take about 18 months. Council will also consult with the community on a proposed new BBQ area and children’s playground in the coming months.
“The Mentone Life Saving Club is an important and very well-used community asset, but the current aged building is in desperate need of modernising to future-proof this important asset,” Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said.
“Our Life Saving Clubs are vital community facilities that provide a range of beach safety services for the tens of thousands of visitors who enjoy our beaches each Summer, as well as essential training in swimming and surf safety.”
Como Ward Councillor Chris Hill also welcomed the project.
“Importantly, the redevelopment of the Mentone Life Saving precinct will really open up the beautiful foreshore area at Mentone for all members of the community to access and enjoy,” Cr Hill said.
“Council has amended the plans based on community and stakeholder feedback, to ensure this project meets community expectations.”
The main building will incorporate sustainability features such as rain water tanks, solar panels, efficient glazing and water efficient fittings. The existing car park and drainage will also be significantly upgraded to improve stormwater quality to keep Port Phillip Bay cleaner.
Further along the Bay, Carrum Surf Life Saving Club will gain extra storage space for jet skis, inflatable rescue boats, trailers, boards and the club’s ATV after receiving new funding was approved.
The Club, which has the highest number of median rescues in the past five years of all metropolitan Melbourne clubs, moved into a new clubhouse in 2013, helped by $1.5m in state funding, and in 2018, a further $1.5m in funding allowed the Club to extend the upstairs floor area and increase storage space downstairs.