Christchurch Lifesaving Club could get new building at Steamer Point

Christchurch Lifesaving Club has applied to Christchurch Borough Council to build a new clubhouse at the site of their existing premises in Steamer Point.

The plans also include the extension of the kitchen at the Beach Hut Cafe and the removal of the club's current storage container.

The new club house will be two-storeys high, the plans show.

It has long been an ambition of the club to develop their facilities within the existing site, to build a base more suited to their needs.

And it is hoped the new facility will enable the club to train the next generation of pool and beach lifeguards to save lives.

Comments supporting the application have already been posted.

Former treasurer, Simon Lancaster said: "The lifesaving club is a hub for Friars Cliff as is The Beach Hut Cafe.

"The training of its younger members has been an integral in providing the RNLI with the lifeguards to protect the local community and visitors over the summer.

"The new building will ensure that the club has the necessary training facilities to continue this for years to come."

And another person said: "It's great to see the life saving centre have a fresh makeover; it's looking rather tired.

"We give our full support to this local community project."

The club was formed in 1970 and founded with a £99 donation from Christchurch council. Three years later, the new hut was unveiled, built almost entirely by club members.

After more than 30 years, the club stopped running in 2007 until it was restarted a few months later.

Over the past 10 years the group has grown quickly, and now has more than 130 members aged from seven to 50.

Members held a consultation event in September prior to the plans being submitted to the council.

Every New Year's Day, the club raises money for Macmillan Caring Locally with a swim. And the Beach Hut Cafe also raise thousands of pounds on Christmas Day when they open up for a couple of hours for Christmas walkers.