The committee is pleased to advise that our clubhouse will undergo a major redevelopment in 2015. The City of Yarra has budgeted at total of $420,000 over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 financial years to upgrade and adapt the historic building for use as a kayaking club. While detailed design work will commence shortly, the concept design (see below) offers considerable benefits to the club, including:[star_list]
- increased boat storage capacity, with access via roller doors on the western side of the building
- a new social area, kitchen and deck overlooking the river
- a new gym area in the basement with windows overlooking the river
- new shower, toilet and change facilities and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor
- additional storage space in the basement
The committee has provided preliminary feedback to the Council on the concept design and will have input into the final plans. Further details regarding the redevelopment will be made available to members as soon as possible, including opportunities for comment.
The redevelopment is expected to commence in May 2015 and will be completed over the winter. The work will be staged to ensure members can continue to the use the clubhouse facilities. Temporary storage arrangements for club and private boats will be required for a period during the redevelopment, however every effort will be made to minimise the impact on members.
The clubhouse has seen little change since it was built in the 1920’s as a swimming pavilion. It sits on precious public land adjoining one of the most tranquil and beautiful stretches of the Yarra – 5km from Melbourne’s CBD and well served by public transport and parking. While the redevelopment will not address the issues associated with access to the river, the club greatly appreciates the support given by the City of Yarra to bring the facilities up to date, adapt the building to our use and facilitate the ongoing growth in our membership and programs.
