Gosford RSL today opens its massive all-new clubhouse, marking the culmination of an ambitious $50 million total redevelopment.
Poised at the northern part of the site, on the corner of the Central Coast Highway and Yallambee Ave West Gosford, the new structure marks the gateway to the precinct.
The sprawling three-storey structure offers its 25,000+ members and guests a sports bar, multiple diverse dining options, recreational and events spaces, an RSL museum, and a brewery.
Carrying a legacy that has been accumulating for more than half a century, the new building represents a milestone for the club, which was founded in 1960 by former AIF Captain Ernest White and friends. The original 60 members pooled their resources to establish the first clubhouse, within a former garage.
Over the years it grew in popularity, and literally, into adjacent properties, until a fire tore through the premise in 1973. This brought about construction of a new facility, which has remained on the site since, seeing a substantial $4.5 million upgrade in 2006.
The massive new club facilities aim to be home to a range of events and celebrations, including conferences and exhibitions, and weddings. To this end it also provides accommodation facilities.
Design features include inclusion of lush greenery and diverse furnishings, internal accents using brickwork incorporated in the exterior, and assorted concrete finishes.
At street level the grand entrance leads to the reception, fronting the RSL facility and adjoining motel, and the new RSL museum – an initiative by Gosford RSL Sub Branch commemorating servicemen from the region.
The concrete slab of level one is cantilevered over pillars hidden by landscaping, to give the appearance it is ‘floating’.
Level one houses The Gardens, offering an assortment of experiences for up to 1,000 people, with bar, multiple dining areas, kids’ play zone and teenage retreat, a lounge, and a café.
On level two is The Grandstand sports bar, boasting multiple big TV screens and snooker tables, and The Gallery conference and events centre, able to host up to 450-pax for table seating or 700+ for seating only. The space can be sub-divided for smaller events.
And Oak Haven Brewery, founded by the club in 2018, has also found its new home on level two.
Foodservice is led by executive chef Simon Quick, ranging local and international flavours in vibrant dining settings. The menus have been inspired by a variety of cultures and countries, and the brewery provides beer and spent malt to use in the kitchen.
Quick says the goal is to “revolutionise the local business landscape” while also catering to the community and businesses, which he believes is made possible by the versatile design by WMK Architecture.
The RSL secured approval for the reconstruction mid-2022, and the opening heralds the completion of nearly two years of works. The old clubhouse remained open throughout the project, but will now be demolished to make way for an additional 150+ parking spaces.
“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,” furthered CEO Russell Cooper.
“We’re thrilled to unveil the new Gosford RSL Club; our commitment to exceptional service that remains unchanged.”
