Captain Cook memorial to sit atop new building
26 February 2019
Gold Coast, Tweed and NSW Government partner to rebuild Marine Rescue offices
Plans are afoot to rebuild the operations room and offices of the Marine Rescue NSW service at Point Danger on the border.
The Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse was built in 1971 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the voyage along the east coast of Australia by Captain James Cook on the HMS Endeavour. The building was extended in 1990 to accommodate the Marine Rescue NSW service.
The extension built in 1990 for Marine Rescue NSW has numerous structural defects and concrete cancer and the cost to maintain it fit for occupation is no longer sustainable.
The existing border markers will remain and the new re-build of the Marine Rescue NSW component will provide public toilets and a gallery/kiosk space at this important pedestrian precinct, which attracts both residents and visitors alike for the views it provides over the Pacific and the historic memorial shipwreck walk on the Queensland side of the border.
The $2.14 million project to demolish and rebuild the 28-year-old structure (Marine Rescue NSW component) beneath the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse is being jointly funded by the City of Gold Coast and Tweed Shire Council, via grant funding of $973,000 from the New South Wales Government’s Restart NSW Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.
Seven new parking spaces will be provided by turning the current parallel parking available on Boundary Street to angle-in parking.
“Point Danger and the Captain Cook Lighthouse are iconic destinations for tourists but in the heart of the building Marine Rescue NSW is working to keep our waterways safe,” Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said.
“I am delighted that the NSW Government, through its Restart NSW Fund, has partnered with Tweed and Gold Coast councils to deliver this vital project.”
Tweed Director Community and Natural Resources Tracey Stinson said heritage consultants had advised that the aesthetics of the original border markers were to remain and the rebuild was to be low impact and consistent with the original border marker structure built in 1971.
“But, the silver lining in this rebuild is that it provides us with the opportunity to improve the amenity of this popular vantage point for residents and visitors alike,” Ms Stinson said.
The proposed design of the building will be discussed at a community meeting at the South Sea Islander Room at the Tweed Shire Council Administrative Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads, on Tuesday 5 March from 5.30-7pm. All are welcome to attend to speak with the architect and officers from both councils to provide their feedback on this project and ask questions. Alternatively, you can have your say by visiting https://www.yoursaytweed.com.au/Captain-Cook-Memorial
Construction is due to start around July to August.