Northern Beaches Council has submitted a development application (DA) for the new community facility at Narrabeen Lake, marking an important step forward in delivering improved amenities and services for club users and the local community.
After a fire destroyed the previous facilities at Narrabeen Lake and the Narrabeen Lake Sailing Club, a proposed replacement building at Narrabeen Lake will offer increased storage areas for clubs such as sailing, model boat and dragon boat groups. It will also provide a café for public and club use, accessible shower and toilet amenities, watercraft facilities and a meeting room available to both the public and clubs.
Mayor Sue Heins said it’s gratifying to see progress made on the Narrabeen Lake amenities at Jamieson Park.
“This facility will transform our community space, offering greater access and improved amenities for all residents. We’re committed to creating a sustainable and inclusive environment that everyone can enjoy,” says the Mayor.
“Council undertook lengthy negotiations with the insurance company to secure proper compensation for the destroyed structure to enable funding of the new amenities.”
The design prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, featuring improved public amenities. These include accessible toilets, compliant access ramps and wheelchair-friendly structures to cater for people with disability or limited mobility.
Sustainability measures have been integrated, including solar panels, rainwater reuse systems and passive energy design. The building design has taken an environmentally sensitive approach, respecting the surrounding lake and its flora and fauna.
A proportion of the funding for this project is provided by the Special Rate Variation. Additional funds are seeking to be sourced through grants.
Development will begin as soon as practical after the DA is approved. Council will keep the community updated on progress and timelines.
For further information on the DA, please visit the website here.
Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club has also put out the following request:
Dear members and friends of Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club,
As many of you will be aware, we have been without a clubhouse for the Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club since a catastrophic fire in November 2021. Since the fire, the club’s committee has been negotiating with council and the engaged architects to arrive at a Development Application, which has just been made public.
The committee has reviewed the DA and are in favour of the design. Now we need your urgent help and support to help push this DA through, counter any objections and advance the project. As current members and friends of the club, we encourage you to consider making a submission in favour of the proposed project:
“I support the DA and encourage Council to progress the project as fast as possible to give this amazing club the club house it deserves.”
In making a submission, here are some points which may help inform your submission.
– The proposal is for the replacement of the previous NLSC clubhouse which was destroyed by fire in November 2021.
-The previous building had been on the site since 1970 and had been in continual use by NLSC since then.
– The new proposed building will sit on the same site as the previous with a similar footprint.
– NLSC has been a presence on the Lake since 1905, making it the oldest sailing club in the area.
– NLSC has an established and very successful junior teaching and training process and desperately requires greater boat storage facility, showers and change rooms, which are included in the proposal.
In making your submission in support of the build, we hope the following might furnish you with some ideas to include.
– How long you have been associated with the club and the impact it has made on you personally, or on those you know.
– The legacy the club has had on you, your family and acquaintances.
– Sailing at Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club has multiple benefits, whether through formative, social or competitive sailing. Some of the benefits are noted here:
– Sailing builds fitness and coordination. We have an increasing cohort of junior sailors, keen to learn to sail and then further their skills. In this day of ever-increasing battles to keep kids off their screens, the club provides the ideal antidote.
– A volunteer-run club such as ours develops teamwork and opportunities for leadership. Sailing as a sport improves decision-making and resilience, and develops discipline, focus, and confidence.
– Coming together in such an environment creates friendships and unparallelled community connection. It encourages communication and cooperation, and supports wellbeing and enjoyment, particularly vitally, all through a connection with nature.
– The nature of club sport such as sailing at Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club builds a sense of belonging and shared experience, such that we would hope that the Council sees as a most valuable asset in our community.
We hope that the above is of use and provides inspiration for your submissions, and we look forward to enjoying your support of the proposed club rebuild. Please also be encouraged to share this more widely in the community.
