Williamstown Swimming and Lifesaving Club is proud of Williamstown’s heritage, and we are equally committed to its future. WSLSC has served the community for over 105 years and with this redevelopment we plan to serve the community for the next 100 years.
The WSLSC impact goes beyond rescue work – we deliver a nippers program for 400 children each summer and a schools program for many hundreds more providing water safety and lifesaving skills to the next generation. We support families with a sense of belonging – for many families the club is a place to connect, learn and grow and we are proud to be that safe and welcoming environment for so many.
Over recent years, as part of the detailed design process, hundreds of hours have been spent engaging with a variety of stakeholders. This includes our members, our neighbours and the wider community that we serve. This feedback process has included dozens of structured workshops and feedback sessions where any member of the community has been able to provide feedback on the project. We thank those that have engaged in the process.
The WSLSC redevelopment has been designed and refined after a thoughtful and thorough community consultation and planning process in conjunction with all key stakeholders. It represents a practical response to the growing needs of our diverse community, the demands of modern lifesaving operations and the importance of providing a well maintained and useable space for our more than 1,700 members. Our membership is inclusive and affordable with any member of the community from any background welcome to join at any time of the year.
The WSLSC redevelopment incorporates both heritage values and amenity. It is designed to meet the needs of our volunteer lifesavers, support public safety services, and remain sensitive to the local environment. Our priority is a safe, functional facility for members, the community, and visitors. We continue to positively consult with Hobsons Bay City Council, State and Federal Government and all key stakeholders to deliver a balanced outcome.
The new ground level spaces are essential for storing life saving equipment including more than 150 Nipper Boards and rescue boards as well as IRB Boats and Jet Skis used to rescue swimmers from our waters every Summer. A new observation tower with an elevated position over the beach will be built to ensure optimal vision of the beach during patrols. This means easier, smoother, quicker, and safer operations for patrolling. A new first aid room will also be built to care for the injured and sick.The current toilets and change room which are falling apart will be replaced and will have full accessibility and wheelchair access. The upper level will provide a multi-purpose space for education of patrollers and essential life saving training as well as an administration office. There will be a multipurpose social and community space and the current health and wellbeing community activities that are held throughout the year at WSLSC will continue. The redevelopment is designed as a flexible space for the diverse needs of the community. Building heights, materials and landscaping have all been carefully considered with regulatory authorities and refined to fit within our coastal and historic setting.
Over many years WSLSC has worked closely with Hobsons Bay City Council, community stakeholders and heritage consultants to enhance the design and visual impact of the building. Key Changes have been made to respond to community feedback and with the community’s proud and passionate support we have saved the pool, lawn and kiosk!
The design has been thoughtfully and carefully considered to fall within the context of the site, deeply respecting heritage sensitivity. Consideration has been given to the long and decorated history of our proud club as part of the design, and we have worked closely with the community, council and all key stakeholders. This is evidenced by the re-work undertaken to ‘save the pool’. The 105 year old facade of the original building will be retained and renovated back to its former glory. The upgrade is a much needed investment in our Clubs tradition and heritage, not a departure from it.
We want to assure our community that the WSLSC redevelopment is a vital step forward in preserving and enhancing the integrity of the dilapidated current building and our local legacy, ensuring our beach remains safe and well equipped for a strong and viable future.
