On ground level the storage space has been increased and re-worked to improve access and reduce the conflict between people and equipment. The importance of the arched central entrances of the original clubhouse have been re-instated, now serving as the primary circulation spine for the building, connecting to the refurbished Club Amenities, First Aid, Patrol Room, SLSC Office, and the Hall. A generous internal stair and atrium provides a legible and rational access point to the upper-level event space. A new internal lift located within the atrium provides universal access to all parts of the building, including amenities across both levels.

On the first floor two dedicated Training Rooms and a Committee Room open onto a north facing terrace and balcony. A new secondary entrance to the northwest allows direct access for large SLSC training events, eliminates conflicts with Hall users, and upgrades fire egress requirements in compliance with the NCC. New amenities, kitchen, and bar facilities on the upper level are centrally located to service both Hall and Committee Room requirements at the same time.

Externally, improved legibility of the building’s function has been achieved by re-instating a clean and clear main entrance, relocating the female public amenities to the south end of the building together with the existing male and accessible amenities, as well as improving the building’s relationship with Bert Payne Park users, and the nearby playground and beach goers.

The simple form and neutral material pallet help to clearly identify the new extension from the original clubhouse, and together with the sensitive adaptive re-use of the original building fabric, the proposal seeks to preserve, celebrate and give new relevance to parts of the building previously lost to piecemeal renovations. A local treasure that has served the community for the past 100 years – the proposed essential upgrades will ensure the building is fit to carry on serving club and the community for many years to come.