latest-news, North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, North Cronulla surf club redevelopment, Scott Morrison, federal grant, Geoff Budd, $2.9 million grant, Sydney South Planning Panel

A $2.9 million federal government grant will make the North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment a reality. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in his capacity as the MP for Cook, announced the grant for what the club calls Project Phoenix. Club president Geoff Budd said the grant was "the turning point" for the proposed $8.5 million redevelopment. "It has taken it out of the planning stage and made it a reality," he said. "Without it, the project wouldn't be economical." The state government and Sutherland Shire Council are also expected to assist with funding, leaving the club to cover the shortfall. Project Phoenix includes replacing some of the old existing facilities with a new two-story building that will include a surf club gear complex, cafe, council and community amenities, lifeguard operational space, a new first aid facility and commercial space. It will be developed in several stages. The first stage will be the modernisation, support and protection of the existing heritage surf club building, including to make it compliant with modern building, safety and accessibility standards, and to update change rooms, toilets and kitchen facilities. Mr Morrison said the federal government's contribution would come from the Community Development Grants Program and would primarily be used for upgrades to the heritage building, which is nearly 70 years old with no disabled accessibility. The council has not yet completed its assessment of the plans, which will then have to be approved by the Sydney South Planning Panel. Related: Plans for $8.5M redevelopment

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