While Life Saving facilities are not generally funded by Council, the opportunity to develop a modern facility to service the community, with assistance of the State Government was an opportunity that Council believed needed to be embraced.

The Victorian State Government announced funding of $2 million towards the renewal of the existing Black Rock Life Saving Club which has been identified by Life Saving Victoria (LSV) as the next highest priority for renewal in Victoria.

The existing pavilion does not meet the standards of the LSV's ‘Clubhouse of the Future’ regarding changeroom dimension, accessibility, storage for life saving equipment and provision of a viewing area to appropriately patrol the beach.

The pavilion will meet the standards of Life Saving Victoria’s Clubhouse of the Future which includes; beach level equipment storage, first aid room, changeroom areas, utilities, kitchen, bar to service club social events, equipment store, male and female amenities, patrol room, meeting/administration room and an active training room.

As part of the Black Rock Foreshore Masterplan consultation process (2016), the community was consulted regarding Council’s intent to renew the pavilion. The draft masterplan was displayed via Council’s website for broader community consultation from early February to late March 2016.

To prevent impact to the pedestrian path at the front of the pavilion and to minimise the footprint of the building, protection the precious sand dunes and coastal vegetation, a public toilet has been excluded from the project scope. A separate public toilet will be constructed as part of the Black Rock Foreshore Masterplan on the esplanade to service both playground and foreshore users. The public toilet is scheduled to be delivered in 2021.

The footprint will slightly increase to meet Life Saving Victoria’s Clubhouse of the Future development guidelines, providing essential facilities to undertake Life Saving services. The design cleverly utilises the natural topography of the site to provide a functional lower level to store Life Saving equipment

The project budget is $5,306,830 with the Victorian State Government contributing $2million towards the renewal.

The Club is working on a proposal to contribute to the fit out of the building.

Accessible car parking and an access path to the pavilion will be delivered as part of the masterplan. No additional car parking will be included.

No vegetation removal is required for the proposed pavilion renewal.

Appropriate approvals and permits will be obtained and include authorisation from the land owner: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and a Town Planning Permit.

The community will have an opportunity to input the planning permit process separately from this consultation process.

The prime function of the pavilion is to deliver Life Saving services, including beach patrols and training for existing and new members to ensure the safety of foreshore users. The Life Saving club can make the facility available for community use, in line with their lease agreement with Council.

The club has an existing liquor licence that services club social activity only. Alcohol will not be served to the public.