12 November

Preliminary work has started on the old Lyall Bay surf club, in preparation for its demolition which is due to start within a fortnight.

This project is happening as the old building is in a bad state of repair, and Lyall Bay surf club now has a new home in the nearby purpose-built clubrooms designed by Archaus Architects.

The demolition of the old club building is one of the final stages of the restoration and strengthening of Lyall Bay, which has included the construction of a new car park at Surfers’ Corner, planting of the dunes for aesthetic reasons and to protect the area from coastal erosion, and the block wall has been extended for more protection against storms.

The area will be fenced off, and demolition (which is expected to take up to a week, weather dependent) is planned to start within a fortnight. A traffic management plan will be in place, including temporary alternative routes for pedestrians.

Once the site is cleared, the seawall will be reinstated, and native plants will be planted over the next year to add to coastal resilience and beautification.

Over the past five years, Wellington City Council has contributed $4,100,000 to the Lyall Bay Beach project.

This has included the contribution to the Lyall Bay Surf Club which includes public toilets, and the new playground. Plus infrastructure and coastal erosion protection, which is all part of Council’s resilience strategy says Mayor Justin Lester.

“One of our key focuses is on strengthening infrastructure and creating a healthy and robust natural environment to better prepare the city for the future.

“Environment and resilience is one of our key priorities in our Long Term Plan, so projects like this demonstrate our commitment to making Wellington safer and more liveable for Wellingtonians.”

Council Open Spaces and Parks Manager Myfanwy Emeny says the demolition of the old surf club building is just one stage of the greater Lyall Bay project.

“We started consultation with the community and stakeholders on possible developments for the area in 2009, and with this latest stage, we are one step closer to creating the vision we’ve been working towards.

“The new sand dune will naturally protect the road and infrastructure, and this popular recreational area won’t be as vulnerable as when we witnessed widespread damage done by storms and strong tides in the past.”

ENDS

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