Nelson Surf Life Saving Club is excited to announce a major milestone in the Beach Base project, with construction now officially underway at Tāhunanui Beach.
Following years of planning, fundraising and community support, the project has reached the funding milestone required to award the construction contract, with local company Fitzgerald Construction appointed to deliver the build.
Site activity has already begun, including the removal of pine trees, with further groundwork expected to commence in the coming weeks. The construction programme is expected to take approximately 12 months, with the Club looking forward to operating from the new Beach Base by next summer.
The new facility will provide a permanent home for Nelson Surf Life Saving Club's operations, supporting beach patrols, emergency response services, youth development programmes, education initiatives and community activities for generations to come.
The appointment of Fitzgerald Construction follows a competitive tender process involving several highly respected local building companies. The Club is proud to be working with local contractors and businesses on a project that will deliver lasting benefits to the wider Nelson community.
While this milestone marks the beginning of construction, the fundraising journey is not yet complete. The project is now more than 90% funded, with ongoing support still required to complete the fit-out of key operational spaces, landscaping works, dune rehabilitation and other enhancements that will maximise the long-term value of the facility.
The Club extends its sincere thanks to foundation partners Nelson City Council and Surf Life Saving New Zealand, along with the many charitable trusts, funding organisations, businesses and individual supporters who have helped make this milestone possible.
As construction progresses, the Club looks forward to regularly sharing project updates and recognising the organisations and individuals whose generosity is helping bring the Beach Base to life.
Those wishing to support the final stage of the project can do so through donations, sponsorship opportunities or the Club's Donate-a-Brick campaign.
Together, we're building a home for lifesaving, community and future generations of Nelson families.