At the heart of Bar Beach, New South Wales, lies the Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club, a cornerstone of the local community and a vital asset for the community and beach safety. Positioned adjacent to the Tasman Sea to the southeast, the club enjoys a prominent location at the intersection of natural beauty and urban activity. Memorial Drive separates the surf club from Empire Park to the west, while Merewether Beach lies further south. The bustling Bather’s Way along Memorial Drive’s southern side attracts countless walkers, joggers, and beachgoers, particularly during the warmer months, making Bar Beach a hub of activity and connection. Recognising the importance of this site, Webber Architects was commissioned to reimagine the Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club through a comprehensive design process which started in 2019. Collaborating with Newcastle City Council, the surf club, and the community, Webber’s involvement spans the entire project lifecycle—from the development of the project brief, concept, and sketch designs to the Development approval and construction, starting with the completion of Stage 1.
A Space for Everyone: This project is designed to benefit not only the surf club but also the wider community. The recent enhanced design improves access and usability, creating a more inclusive space for walkers, beachgoers, and boardwalk users. Dual stairways with cantilevered, shaded roof structures offer functional and welcoming rest stops, blending practicality with aesthetics. These features ensure that the site serves as a unifying element for Bar Beach, promoting connection and accessibility.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing the Future: Webber Architects’ design honours the site’s rich history while addressing the evolving needs of the club and community. Salvaged arched windows from the original structure will be carefully relocated to retain a sense of continuity with the past. Internally, dedicated display and memorabilia areas celebrate the surf life saving culture, preserving the stories and achievements that define Cooks Hill.
At the same time, the design is future-focused, providing enlarged and improved spaces to meet growing demand. By using durable, low-maintenance materials, the project is built to endure, ensuring it remains a vital part of the Bar Beach landscape for generations.
Transparency and Light: Connecting Inside and Out: The design’s elevated, glass-clad volumes invite natural light into the structure while maintaining privacy for the club’s interior spaces. Passers-by on the popular Memorial Drive boardwalk can enjoy glimpses through the building without intrusion, creating an open, inviting atmosphere that reflects the welcoming nature of Bar Beach.
Meticulous facade design optimises light, ventilation, and views while minimising overheating and glare. Each elevation is uniquely tailored to its orientation, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the building, its surroundings, and its users.
A Landmark of Community Pride: The Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club’s new design is more than a building—it is a landmark that celebrates the surf life saving culture and enhances the Bar Beach area. The project underscores the importance of recreational spaces to the community, providing better amenities while elevating the visual and functional quality of the built environment.
Through its prominent location and thoughtful design, this project will serve as a source of pride for locals and visitors alike. With Webber Architects’ expertise and collaboration with stakeholders, the Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club is set to become a beacon of architectural excellence and community connection—a space where history, innovation, and inclusivity converge seamlessly.
