Rowland Reserve

  • Description Marine rescue base
  • Location Bayview
  • Sector Community
  • Sub-Sector Community, Environmental, Workplace
  • Specialties New Build, Refurbishment
  • Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
  • Delivery Method Construct Only
  • Client Northern Beaches Council
  • Architect Northern Beaches Council
  • Photographer Paramount Studios
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The new Marine Rescue base at Bayview delivered a purpose‑built, modern facility to support the volunteers who safeguard one of New South Wales busiest boating regions. Replacing a 20‑year‑old repurposed demountable, the project provides a safer, larger and more functional home for Marine Rescue, strengthening their ability to protect the Pittwater and Broken Bay community.

Construction took place on a constrained waterfront site while Marine Rescue continued operating from a temporary base at Rowland Reserve. Managing public access, environmental sensitivities and the need to maintain uninterrupted rescue capability required disciplined staging and close coordination with Council, Marine Rescue and local stakeholders. Weather‑dependent works and the site’s geotechnical conditions were carefully planned to ensure safety, program certainty and minimal disruption to the surrounding reserve.

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The new single‑level building was built on a waffle‑pod slab supported by screw piles, providing a stable and durable base suited to the site’s conditions. A structural steel and structural carpentry frame form the building envelope, clad in a combination of compressed fibre cement panels and lightweight metal sheeting for weather protection and longevity. Fire‑rated boundary screening along the southern elevation ensures compliance with fire safety requirements. Internally, the new build includes meeting and training rooms, offices, a radio operations room, amenities, a combined kitchen and laundry, and clerestory windows that introduce natural light into key workspaces. External works incorporated improved access, service upgrades and integration with the surrounding reserve.

The new build provides Marine Rescue New South Wales with a fit‑for‑purpose operations base designed for modern emergency management. It enhances training capacity, improves volunteer safety and comfort, and strengthens rescue readiness for the thousands of boaters who rely on this vital service.

8150 Rowland Reserve Opening GIF

Opening Ceremony

“Pittwater and Broken Bay are some of the busiest boating areas in NSW, and these new facilities will help ensure our volunteers are rescue ready should an emergency arise.”

The Marine Rescue team, volunteers and members of council officially opened the new facility on 4th March.

“This funding has boosted our rescue capability on Pittwater and Broken Bay, and ensured our volunteers have facilities designed and equipped for modern emergency management,”

NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alex Barrell, Marine Rescue