Work is expected to start in 2020 on Gosford RSL Club’s new $31.8M clubhouse, following approval of the plan by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).
The successful Development Application (DA) will see a new clubhouse built on the current carpark adjacent to Central Coast Highway. Designed to be a significant building marking West Gosford as the Gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast, the three-level building will be about 50 per cent larger than the current clubhouse, but on a smaller footprint of around 3,500sqm, freeing up a significant amount of space for future expansion and development.
Club CEO, Russell Cooper, said architects had been briefed to provide a design which would service the community and make a statement as a gateway to the region.
The DA was first lodged in March, 2018, with Cooper saying Central Coast Council had been very supportive and collaborative in helping address issues which may have stood in the way of approval.
Council recommended approval of the plan, with final ratification from the JRPP coming through on September 4.
The final plan will see a ground floor entry, RSL Museum, reception for both the club and Galaxy Motel, as well as offices, cellar and storage areas.
The first floor will comprise cafe and dining areas with multiple food offerings plus a lounge, bar and terrace. The second floor will hold a sports bar, conference and events space with capacity for up to 800 people, a rooftop bar and restaurant and the newly established Oak Haven Brewing Co microbrewery.
“This has been a complex and thorough process, with four years of research, consultation and planning, to get to this point”, Cooper said. Construction is expected to begin in late 2020 with completion due in 2022.
Architects for the development are WMK Architects from Sydney with Project Managers APP Corporation (Newcastle) and builders are yet to be selected.
Source: Media release, Sep 5 Gosford RSL Club