Forestville RSL Club in northern Sydney is celebrating the approval of its expansive plans for new facilities and a boutique retirement community, having overcome local objection and secured the green light from Sydney North Planning Panel and Northern Beaches Council.
Projected to cost in the region of $80 million, the major proposal has been carefully designed to minimise community impact, including keeping the Club operational during construction.
Set to be delivered in two stages, the first stage will replace the existing bowling greens with a new single-level, state-of-the-art clubhouse, equipped with meeting and function spaces, multiple dining options, family-friendly play areas, versatile event spaces, RSL displays and sub-branch office space, and underground parking. Above the club will be 16 independent living units (ILUs).
Joining the new facility will be a boutique retirement living village, to be called Garraway, designed to support seniors in a connected and thriving community.
Stage two will see construction of three additional buildings for 36 more apartments and associated car spaces, making a total of 52 ILUs. The existing Club will only be demolished once the new facilities are operational.
The big budget proposal marks a significant milestone for the Club, formed in 1959, representing a “bold transformation” that aims to underpin the security of its future, providing enhanced facilities for members and guests while bolstering trade with the addition of the residents, improving its capacity to reduce reliance on gaming.
These outcomes align with its commitment to diversifying its income and improving both facilities and capacity for community support.
“The redevelopment reflects the same foresight our founders demonstrated 66 years ago,” offers CEO Ian Thomson.
A completed DA was submitted to Northern Beaches Council in October 2024, but due to the size and significance of the proposal it was passed to Sydney North Planning Panel.
However, as previously reported, a sizeable contingent of local objectors made their dissatisfaction known. A Change.org petition amassed over 1,100 signatures, pleading that a “beloved gathering place” for families and community would be transformed into an imposing retirement village that dominated the suburb, beside a small, “poker-machine-prevalent” club.
This would seem contradictory to the project’s considerations to address environmental and local concerns, including compatibility with neighbouring parklands and surrounding properties.
Beyond boosting the club’s future, it’s suggested the works will bring numerous other benefits to the Forestville community, including expanded dining and entertainment options, employment, and significantly more undercover parking, all anticipated to enhance social interaction and economic activity.
In that sense it serves as an extension to Forestville RSL’s present support measures, which have provided over $2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to local groups during the past decade.
The NSW Registered Clubs Act 1976 requires approval by ordinary members through a general meeting to “dispose” (sell, lease or licence the use of, or otherwise deal with) of any club property.
Such a meeting has not yet taken place, as legal advice was that a vote should be held shortly after the DA has been approved. A member vote on the proposed redevelopment will now take place at a general meeting planned for October. All members will be provided an Information Memorandum and given opportunity to have their opinion counted.
The pivotal development is in line with plenty of comparable clubs, nearby examples seen at Dee Why RSL and Dee Why Master Builders, Harbord Diggers, Chatswood Golf Club and Willoughby Legion Club.
Forestville RSL sees it as a sustainable development that addresses the needs of members, supports seniors and strengthens its “ability to contribute to the wider community”, and does not require it to compromise its existing assets.
“We are acting now to protect the financial wellbeing of the Club and ensure we remain a vibrant centre for the local community,” adds Thomson.
“Most importantly, we are proud to achieve this without selling any of our land or relinquishing local control of our club”.
