North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club president Geoff Budd says beach-goers have much to look forward to with the redevelopment of the 70-year-old building.
"Community facilities such as toilets and change rooms will be greatly improved," he said.
"People will be very happy once it is built."
Mr Budd was speaking after the announcement of a $350,000 state government grant, which will be used for new equipment and gear storage rooms.
"The project will cost about $8 million," he said.
"It's a bigger project than what Cronulla [Surf Life Saving Club] took on.
"We are doing a full rebuild of half the building."
Mr Budd said the club had hoped to start building this year, but work had been delayed by COVID-19.
"The DA (development application) was approved with conditions and we have been working with council on a few things to get a better outcome," he said.
"We are now hoping to turn dirt in May next year and it will take 12 to 14 months."
The project involves demolishing ground-level facilities at the southern end of the club and building a two-storey extension to the existing, heritage-listed building, which opened in 1950.
Old facilities to be demolished include gear storage areas, kiosk, lifeguard station, toilets and change rooms.
On the south-east corner of the new extension, at ground level facing the beach, will be a modern, covered kiosk-cafe.
Next to the kiosk will be a new lifeguard room, first aid station and much larger gear storage complex.
New public toilets and change rooms will be provided.
The second level of the new building will include a large commercial space, suitable for restaurant or function use, with a covered balcony overlooking the beach.
A nippers' room with a covered balcony will be at the north-western end of the new building overlooking the pool.
As part of the redevelopment, the heritage building will undergo a major upgrade to make it compliant with fire safety and accessibility laws.
A lift in the new building will also service the existing building, and they will be on the same level.
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said 26 surf clubs had received grants of $30,000 and $350,000 from the annual Surf Club Facility Program.
Mr Speakman said Cronulla SLSC had previously received $500,000 under earlier rounds of the program.
"Our four Bate Bay surf clubs are at the forefront of our shire community's volunteer organisations," he said.
"They donate tens of thousands of hours every year and play a vital role in patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe."
