Kaka Point Surf Life Saving Club announced yesterday it had "just about" sold its ageing 1950s clubrooms for removal, allowing a $2.3 million replacement to begin construction in April next year.
Club president Mark Van Asperen told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the top section of the building would go to central Catlins hamlet Chaslands.
He said the sale of the second section of the building was expected to be confirmed very soon.
"We expect the buildings to be removed at the end of this summer’s surf lifesaving season, around March, and construction on the new building to commence shortly after. We want to be able to move into the new building in time for the 2026-27 season in November next year."
He said the former buildings had been sold at a "very satisfactory" price.
"These are buildings that would become an additional cost for us to demolish and remove otherwise, so we’re pleased they’ll be recycled and repurposed while contributing to fundraising."
About $1.4m of the replacement cost had already been raised, he said.
"We’re in talks with the big grant trusts for the remainder, and will now ask Calder Stewart to finalise a design and cost for us to allow us to confirm grant applications. We’ll still be looking at additional community fundraising."
He said the facility would be about the same size internally, and would "future-proof" the club.
"This will serve as a community facility for events and meetings of any size up to about 120 people, with beautiful beach and ocean views.
"Most importantly, it locks in facilities for beach safety for residents and visitors for the next 100 years."
