After two years of construction, Gosford RSL opens its landmark new clubhouse to the public on Wednesday, March 27, following a major $50M dollar redevelopment.
The three-storey superclub houses a new experiential dining precinct with five diverse culinary offerings, recreational spaces, a state-of-the-art conference and events centre, a sports bar and an on-site brewery and RSL museum, all under one roof.
The momentous project was the culmination of a collaborative partnership between the club, local contractor North Construction and Building, WMK Architecture and The APP Group.
Positioned at the north end of the existing West Gosford site, the impressive new building overlooks the Central Coast Hwy marking the gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.
The unveiling of the new building heralds a transformative chapter for the historic RSL club, underlining its commitment to the local community while bolstering the region’s advancement and prosperity with a forward-thinking approach.
With a legacy spanning more than six decades, Gosford RSL stands as a cornerstone of the community with a robust membership of 25,000+.
Founded in the aftermath of WWII by Ernest White, a respected local and former AIF Captain, the club’s humble beginnings in 1960 saw just 60 members pooling resources to establish its inaugural premises – a modest Ford garage with corrugated iron walls, a tarred floor and no ceiling.
In the years after the club’s inception, membership flourished, prompting its expansion into adjacent properties.
Tragically, a fire ravaged the clubhouse in 1973, leading to the construction of a superior facility on the West Gosford site, where the club stands today.
Over the years, ongoing upgrades and enhancements have been undertaken, including a significant $4.5M renovation in 2006.
Looking ahead, the club obtained approval to reconstruct on its existing site, with construction beginning in May 2022.
The new building will allow for easy refreshment, refurbishment and future alterations.
Prominent design features include the illusion of the building “floating,” achieved by the visibility of the first-floor concrete slab extending beyond supporting columns and the strategic use of landscaping to conceal the understorey.
The incorporation of striking brickwork from the exterior into internal features adds a modern twist to a retro architectural element.
Throughout the building, various concrete finishes are showcased, juxtaposed with lush greenery and diverse furnishings.
The ground floor houses a grand entrance leading visitors into the reception, servicing both the RSL and the adjoining motel, as well as a new RSL museum.
This museum, an initiative of the Gosford RSL Sub Branch, commemorates the servicemen from the region and their contributions to Australia, spanning from the Boer War(s) to more recent conflicts.
The Gardens, located on level 1, is a dynamic dining precinct and recreation hub, offering a range of experiences for up to 1,000 patrons.
Its fluid layout encompasses a bar, lounge, café, multiple dining areas, kids’ play zone, and teenage retreat.
Executive Chef Simon Quick (previously Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Terrigal) offers globally inspired signature dishes.
Level 2 contains The Grandstand sports bar, complete with multiple screens (and a massive 5X3m screen), competition sized snooker and billiard tables and a top-notch sound system.
The Gallery conference and events centre can accommodate large gatherings (with capacity to host up to 450 banquet -style or over 700 theatre-style) or be subdivided for more intimate events.
It overlooks the Gardens terrace below.
Also on Level 2 is the new home of the Oak Haven Brewery, which was born in 2018 out of a vision to offer exceptional brews at an affordable price.
Once the new club is operational the existing RSL Club, which remained operational throughout construction, will be demolished to establish an additional 154 car parking spaces to accommodate the expected increase in patron numbers.
The club will continue to support the Gosford RSL Sub Branch provide a place for returned servicemen and women to meet.
Club CEO Russell Cooper said the building makes a bold statement at the gateway to the Central Coast.
“This project has not only created hundreds of jobs and injected millions into the local economy, but also led to the hiring of over 50 new staff members,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to unveil the new Gosford RSL Club; our commitment to exceptional service that remains unchanged.
“The warm, personable, and professional service that defines Gosford RSL will continue to be our hallmark.”
Went and had a look at the new building RSL CLUB HAD BUILT It’s nice what they have done but l found there is a lot of wasted space There is no where Quite for the people to go and play Keno A lot of people also like to sit some where quite and have a drink or chat with their friends It’s a down pour for the club not having any where quite a lot of people don’t want to sit around noise
yes. same. I dont like to go to to places for that reason. if they had made a quieter area for sitting then I would go. but just looks like a lot of noise to me so I’ll just stay home instead where its quiet
would the journalist concider asking the designers what they are going to do to conceal the ugly air conditioning plant that is the focus of the exterior apperance of the building. From the highway or point claire bike track it looks like an oil refinery.