Denmark surf club plans surface on architect site

By Chris Thomson | posted on August 31, 2018

NOBODY connected to the project wants to talk about it, but plans to replace the jaded clubhouse of the state’s best surf life saving club with palatial headquarters built into the hill at Denmark’s Ocean Beach are now in the public realm.

As a professional courtesy, The Weekender has not published renders of the new clubhouse now available on the website of Denmark-based PTX Architects.

But you can check the renders out at https://ptxarchitects.com.au/portfolio/denmark-slsc/.

The Weekender called PTX principal David Gibson who referred us to the club’s project manager for the planned building, Wayne Winchester.

Mr Winchester referred The Weekender to club president Jane Kelsbie who did not return calls.

Calls to Shire CEO Bill Parker, whose organisation has included the clubhouse in a draft sport and recreation master plan now out for public comment, also went unreturned.

According to the draft master plan, the existing clubhouse is in “very poor condition” and its shed is at risk of destruction from rising sea levels.

“Planning for a redeveloped/new facility is well advanced with a study confirming the current location is suitable long term and concepts developed,” the master plan says.

In June, Denmark Surf Life Saving Club was named the best in Western Australia at the annual Surf Life Saving Western Australia awards of excellence in Perth.

On the PTX website, Mr Winchester is quoted as saying it has been a “joy and a pleasure” to work with Mr Gibson and PTX co-founder Melanie Hoessle “over the past 12 months on the Denmark Surf Life Saving Club Transformation Project”.

“They have listened, understood, researched and delivered a concept design that oozes passion and respect for the iconic Ocean Beach location,” Mr Winchester is quoted as saying.

“Melanie and David’s concept designs have shown enormous empathy to the site, provided a stunning sense of style to the form and delivered excellent functionality to the build.

“We couldn’t be happier!!!

“I very much look forward to a continued working relationship with PTX Architects as we move into subsequent phases of the project.”

One bone of contention revealed by the draft master plan is a mooted function centre at the new clubhouse.

“[The] issue of … function centre provision will assist [the] club being sustainable,” the plan asserts.

“However, [it] provides a further competing demand in this marketplace.”

Public comment on the Shire’s draft sport and recreation master plan closes on September 6.