The Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club is embarking on an ambitious $7.4 million redevelopment that will radically transform the longstanding community hub.
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The details of the extensive refurbishment plans were recently submitted to the Northern Beaches Council in a development application.
If approved, the project will see the demolition of parts of the existing clubhouse to make way for a host of new and upgraded facilities.
Key elements of the proposed $7.4 million makeover include:
- Demolition of the existing ground floor general lounge, cafe, TAB, and smoking areas
- Construction of a new lounge, cafe, TAB, and smoking zones with the addition of an “operable” glass roof and landscaping
- An 86 square metre increase in the club’s overall gross floor area
The plans, designed by DACCA Architecture also call for a minor height increase, though the building would still remain below the local 12.5 metre maximum height limit.
Notably, the club is also seeking to extend its bar trading hours to 1 a.m, seven days a week – a significant expansion from the current hours of 10:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Tuesday, and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for the rest of the week.
To help mitigate potential noise impacts from the extended trading, the proposed outdoor area will feature louvres and retractable panels that will be closed from 10:00 p.m.
“The bar area will operate from 10am to 1am daily, providing patrons with ample opportunity to enjoy our facilities. These hours have been chosen to cater to the diverse schedules of our members and guests while respecting the local community’s lifestyle and noise considerations,” the club wrote in planning documents.
Club officials indicated that the multi-million dollar facelift is essential to modernise the ageing facilities and meet the evolving needs of their large and loyal membership base.
The development application is currently under review by Council, with a decision expected in the coming months.
About Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club
Established in 1956, Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club is a local entertainment and dining complex located in Seaforth. The Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club offers its members and guests a wide array of dining choices, entertainment options including live performances, comfortable gaming facilities, and engaging promotions.
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Published 6-April-2024
