The venerable Chatswood Club, in the heart of what has become one of Sydney’s north shore hubs, is selling its two-level site in the hope of preserving its future.
Established in 1954, it was previously known as the Chatswood Businessmen’s Club before a name change to broaden its appeal.
Originally the club was within a one-storey cottage on the 1,858sqm site, but in the late 80s this was sold to developers, with the club retaining two floors of a new eight-storey building.
At its peak in the 90s it was regularly full of business types enjoying decadent lunches.
Thirty years later this demographic has changed substantially, Club president Philip Sale lamenting the loss of 80 per cent of functions and office events, as well as trade shows and workshops, and much of what was left with the onset of COVID.
In 2024, membership numbers are down to around 80 people, and the board reluctantly decided to sell its valuable Chatswood CBD position, representing the first time the space has come to market.
Located on Help St close to the Chatswood Metro, train and bus interchange, the site is neighboured by Westfield Chatswood, the Mandarin Centre and assorted retail.
Being offered is the ground floor and first floor, with dual street frontage of around 31 metres, and 50 secure car spaces in the basement. This totals 1,914sqm of floor space, and flexible zoning allows for a variety of uses.
The club’s disposition and oversupply of parking has been likened to Crackerjack – the 2002 comedy starring Mick Molloy.
The board hopes to use proceeds from the sale to relocate somewhere smaller and cheaper.
The prime real estate is likely to be contested by multiple buyer types, potentially drawing interest from owner-occupiers, such as a pub or restaurant, as well as investors and land bankers.
A campaign on the asset is being managed by Colliers’ Tom Appleby, who has not offered price guide but pundits suggest sources indicate the commercial property might fetch $15 million.
Expressions of Interest on vacant possession of the site close Thursday, 26 September.
