A proposed $1.5 million upgrade of pedestrian access in Cronulla Park includes two footbridge connections to the rear of the surf life saving club.
Other changes would include new stairs and improved grades on a path to the beach, which would encourage pedestrians away from using the road used by service and club vehicles.
The proposed works would take place in conjunction with a major redevelopment of the surf club, which is due to start in April next year.
The council, at its meeting on Monday, gave in-principle approval for a business case to be prepared, but funding has not yet allocated for the project.
A staff report said the proposed works, to be funded by the council, were a condition of consent for the surf club redevelopment.
The council's infrastructure staff had been working closely with the club and its architect.
”The overall intent of the design is to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic as much as possible by providing the latter with an attractive alternative to walking down the service road between the existing buildings,” the report said.
“This is achieved by improving the grades to an existing path to the north of the clubhouse and providing a new stair connection leading to the Esplanade.
“The design provides an upgraded vehicular access through the park to The Esplanade for deliveries, waste management, life saving and lifeguard activities.
“It also proposes a centralised waste management zone away from the main public thoroughfare for the management of public and commercial waste.”
The report said, “central to the design” was a bridge from the park to the rear of the clubhouse.
“It is envisaged that this will become the primary entry to the building for functions and events and facilitate public entry into the clubhouse,” the report said.
“Complementary to this feature is the provision of a secondary access connection bridge that will link with the proposed stairway.
“Potential also exists for the creation of a lookout from an area adjacent to the proposed stairs.”
The report said, if funding was approved, it needed to be in this financial year to tie in with the surf club redevelopment.
That project includes partial demolition of the old building and construction of new facilities including:
- New boat, ski and board storage areas, female and male amenities and gym on the ground floor.
- New lounge, bar, terrace, kitchen, toilets and function room on Level 1.
- New club entry, office space, lift lobby and mezzanine on Level 2.
- Heritage conservation works to the original main building.