Sorrento SLSC Redevelopment

Project summary

The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment Project is a major, multi-phase upgrade of the Sorrento Beach precinct that will deliver new lifesaving, community and commercial facilities.

The project will be delivered in two stages:

• Phase one – Redevelopment of the surf life saving club facility, including new public amenities, improved car parking and landscaping.
• Phase two – Development of a commercial café/restaurant (to be privately operated) and adjoining public open space to activate and enhance the beachfront precinct.

This is a precinct-wide redevelopment, not just a surf club upgrade. It will provide modern community facilities, create new social and economic opportunities and enhance Sorrento Beach as a vibrant coastal destination for all.

Project background

The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club (Sorrento SLSC) has over 2,200 members and provides essential volunteer services to the local community, including beach patrols, surf safety education, lifesaving training, and youth development programs.

The existing facility, located on Crown land managed by the City of Joondalup on West Coast Drive, Sorrento (south of Hillarys Boat Harbour), has reached the end of its functional life and no longer meets the needs of the club or the broader community due to limitations in size, design, and accessibility.

Project development timeline

• Tuesday 28 June 2022 (CJ096-06/22) – Council considered a range of investigative studies, three schematic concept designs and cost estimates, a Club project review report, and the City’s business case.
   Council approved Concept Design Option One and listed a $14 million project budget for consideration in the City’s Five Year Capital Works Program. 
• Post-June 2022 Review – Option One was reviewed and refined to enhance design functionality and community benefit, while remaining within the approved $14 million budget.
• Friday 23 June 2023 (CJ099-06/23) – Council received three updated schematic design options and cost estimates. An alternate recommendation was approved, directing the preparation of a new concept design that reflected revised design parameters and community expectations.
• Tuesday 28 November 2023 (CJ240-11/23) – Council endorsed the new concept design and cost estimates and resolved to progress to community consultation and detailed design. 
• April–May 2024 – The City advertised a public tender for architectural and specialist consultancy services.
• Tuesday 23 July 2024 (CJ186-07/24) – Council appointed Hodge Collard Preston Architects to lead the project’s architectural and design components.

• June 2025 (CJ171-06/25) – Council approved the adjustment of the budget to $17,803,800 in the five-year capital work program to reflect the updated cost estimate from February 2025.

Since then, community consultation for the surf club facility has been completed, and the final designs are now endorsed. The detailed design phase for the overall redevelopment is progressing in preparation for construction.

Funding and delivery

The total $17,803,800.00 budget covers the entire Sorrento Beach precinct redevelopment, not just the surf club facility.

Funding contributions are as follows:

• State Government: $8 million
• Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club: $1 million
• City of Joondalup: $8,803,800

Construction will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption to beach access and ongoing lifesaving operations, with the surf club facility forming Phase One of the broader precinct upgrade.

Summary

The Sorrento Beach redevelopment will deliver a modern, accessible, and vibrant coastal precinct that benefits the whole community.
 
 Phase One - the surf club and public amenities - has completed community consultation and final design, marking a major step toward construction.
 
 Phase Two - the café and public open space activation - will further enhance the beach experience and help establish Sorrento as a leading coastal destination.

Project update

The City has commenced the detailed design stage for the project.

Construction works are anticipated to commence in early-2026 and will continue for approximately 18 months.

Further information

For further information contact the Asset Management team on 9400 4437.