Major Bronte Surf Club Upgrade Takes Shape At Bronte Beach

At Bronte Beach, the long-awaited Bronte Surf Club upgrade is taking clearer shape this month, with seawall works, structural construction and in-ground services progressing across the beachfront site. 



Bronte Surf Club Upgrade Takes Shape at The Beach

The Bronte Surf Club upgrade is moving through a significant May construction stage, as the new club building and community facilities continue to rise from a site that has already seen the former clubhouse demolished.

The project marks a major change for Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, which was founded in 1903 and is recognised by many historians as one of Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving establishments. Its former clubhouse, built about five decades ago, was no longer fit for purpose and is now being replaced with a modern multi-purpose facility.

The redevelopment has also received two additional grants totalling $785,617, adding further support to the wider upgrade now underway at Bronte Beach.

Seawall and Structural Works Continue Through May

Construction is now focused on several key parts of the site. Substructure works to the main building have significantly advanced, while in-ground services are continuing as planned.

The lift pit has been completed and waterproofed, and seawall works are continuing as part of the broader beachfront upgrade. An electrical substation has also been delivered to the site, with excavation and footing works for the substation underway.

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

This month’s works include further seawall construction, concrete slab pours and continued structural works to the main building. Crews are also finalising remaining in-ground services, completing substation works and running submains from the building to Bronte Road.

Bronte Surf Club
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

New Lifesaving Facilities at Bronte Beach

The new Bronte Surf Club building is designed to improve lifeguard operational areas, public amenities and lifesaving infrastructure.

The project also includes upgrades to the promenade, seawall and footpaths, extending the works beyond the clubhouse itself and across the surrounding beachfront area.

The total project cost is listed at $32.349 million. About $23.65 million is allocated to the building component, while about $8.7 million is allocated to surrounding works, including the seawall and public area upgrades.

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is contributing $7.596 million through its own funds and grant funding. The remaining project contribution is listed at $24.754 million.

Historic Club Moves Towards a New Home

Construction started in 2025 after detailed design and procurement work. Temporary facilities are now in place at Bronte for lifeguards, maintenance crews and the project contractor while the redevelopment continues.

The new clubhouse and community facilities are due to be completed in 2027.



For Bronte, the current works mark another visible step in a long-running project that is reshaping one of Sydney’s established surf lifesaving sites while preparing it for future lifesaving, beach and community use.

Published 6-May-2026

$24 Million Bronte Surf Club Redevelopment Begins

A $24 million redevelopment of Bronte Surf Life Saving Club has begun, with demolition of the existing clubhouse to make way for a modern new facility.



Background of Bronte Surf Club

Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1903, is regarded by many historians as one of the country’s earliest surf lifesaving organisations. Its current headquarters was built in 1974 after the previous clubhouse was destroyed by fire, believed to have started from an electrical fault. After five decades of service, the existing building is now set to be replaced.

Bronte Surf Club
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Redevelopment Plans and Features

Work officially commenced on August 2025 with a sod turning ceremony. Demolition of the existing clubhouse will occur over the coming months. The redevelopment will deliver a state-of-the-art facility including enhanced lifesaving operations, a rooftop garden with public parkland, inclusive community spaces, and upgraded amenities for professional lifeguards and maintenance teams.

The project also covers wider site improvements such as a new promenade, seawall, footpaths and a turning circle roadway. Temporary facilities have already been set up for lifeguards, park staff, and contractors while construction continues.

Project Cost and Timeline

The redevelopment carries a total cost of $24 million. Construction is expected to finish by April 2027. Funding comes from Bronte Surf Life Saving Club’s resources, with additional contributions from state and federal grants and support from Waverley Council.

Bronte redevelopment
Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil

Community Significance

With over 2000 members, including more than 850 nippers and 150 cadets, the club remains a central part of Bronte’s community life. Membership includes a strong female representation at 44 per cent, continuing a tradition of inclusivity in surf lifesaving.

Bronte Surf Club has also long held cultural importance, once frequented by sporting figures, artists, and well-known residents. Despite its growth, the primary role of the organisation remains the same: to keep swimmers and surfers safe at Bronte Beach.

What Happens Next



Demolition works will take place through the remainder of 2025, followed by construction of the new building. The project is scheduled to conclude in April 2027, ushering in a new era for Bronte’s surf lifesaving and community facilities.

Published 29-Aug-2025