Club Bondi Junction RSL is finally revealing its long-awaited mega-redevelopment, heralding a new upmarket venue and restaurant, retail spaces, residential and importantly, new horizons.
Originally built in 1933 for ex-servicemen and their families, the former Bondi Junction & Waverley RSL, now known as Club Bondi Junction (CBJ) enjoys a position in both the physical and social heart of the precinct, located at 34 Bronte Road.
Like many aged institutions, the club had been experiencing a steady decline in membership, losing nearly 30 per cent of its base, dropping from 6,470 in 2003 to 4,609 registered members in 2018.
In 2017 the management opted to begin a long-term vision for the club, entering an agreement with Capital Corporation to revitalise the premises. The designers boasted success with a similar recent project for the Kogarah RSL.
Plans for the $120 million development proffered revitalised club areas, administration offices and boardrooms on the second floor, enhanced function spaces, ground floor retail tenancies and a Melbourne-style ‘eat street’ area, above four levels of basement parking.
And over the club would be 124 apartments, over 13 storeys. These were successfully sold off the plan ahead of construction.
Work was slated to be completed mid-2023, but by the time of the club’s AGM in April last year management was still not certain of the opening date, awaiting approval from Waverley Council on the DA for the fit-out, submitted September 2022.
During works, CBJ furnished a special arrangement with Easts Leagues Club such that all 1,400 full members were granted an annual subscription, enabling them to maintain “continuity of membership” with Club Bondi Junction while enjoying use of the facilities at Easts as their club was being rebuilt.
Seven years since plans were initiated, Club Bondi Junction says it is “thrilled to announce its grand reopening this September!”.
In the new premise CBJ spans two well-appointed levels, offering an array of dining facilities designed to cater to all tastes throughout the residential, commercial and hospitality fit-out by McRae + Lynch.
On the ground floor is a stylishly appointed bar, plush sitting and dining areas, and state-of-the-art gaming and sports bar facilities. Level two houses the expansive function space for special events, designed to be versatile, to accommodate occasions from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
Club President Bill Harrigan says they hope to reverse diminishing membership, creating a new club for the spectrum of demographics in the area.
“Whether you’re looking to relax with a drink, enjoy a delicious meal, or catch the latest game, our ground floor has something for everyone.
“We invite you to join us and experience the exceptional amenities and vibrant atmosphere of the newly opened Club Bondi Junction.”
