Our Club is Your Club
The Ōrewa Surf Club project is an example of CS&R's role as Client Representative in community-focused developments. As the Client Representative, CS&R managed the concept design process, organized consultant tenders, and supported both concept approval and funding program management. While there is still work to be done, this beautifully organic building will serve as an important hub for the Orewa community.
Did you know that the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club have performed more than 1,300 rescues since their establishment in the 1950s? With a strong youth development program, being on call 24/7 and over 1,000 members, the club does crucial work in the community and keeping our beaches safe.
The current clubrooms are no longer suitable and urgently need to be replaced. The new Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Community Hub will be the third structure established by the club in their 72-year history, and by far the largest. Comprising 2,000m2 of floor area over two levels with an additional 150m2 of cantilevered deck, the Community Hub has been designed by Product X Architecture to meet the needs of a growing community to enable us to protect those enjoying our beautiful beach and offer a social, business and functional space for all.
The revised location widens the adjacent beachside reserve area and increases the prominence of the building on the Hibiscus Coast Highway where it can anchor itself as a community hub and important landmark.
The building is simple yet refined with a robust materials palette and spaces are organised to make the most of views. A gable roof forms angles down focusing on the beach view and reducing the dominance of the western façade. Full height glazed ends create light filled spaces with a strong visual connection to the Ōrewa Reserve.
The ground floor houses the bulk of club operations with spaces for club administration, lounge, training and medical treatment, and for storing equipment. The upper floor has large and flexible hospitality and function spaces at each end separated by a commercial kitchen and amenities. Semi-covered beach-facing decks run full length.
The proposed patrol tower will be a single-level beachfront outpost for lifeguarding operations. It will have a panoramic observation point with a connection to the reserve for public interaction and immediate medical assistance. The tower’s structure is relocatable to address the impacts of coastal erosion and tidal inundation over time.
Club President John Chapman says “With council consent achieved, the next step is gaining building consent, then we can start raising funds to actually build.” It’s at this stage that funders and contributors have indicated they will be ready to contribute. Club members have already dug deep to help get the project this far. Now community fundraising is essential to keep progressing.
There are a range of different ways you can help and get involved at every budget and make our club your club.
Enquiries are welcome, askus@orewasurflifesavingcommunityhub.co.nz or phone the project hotline 020 4121 1581.