Demolition begins at Mount Isa former venue ‘The Club’, with future plans to be decided

Demolition has begun on a building purchased by the Mount Isa Hospital, with future plans for the soon to be vacant lot to benefit the growing demand for health services in the region.

The Club is being demolished to make way for future plans from the North West Hospital and Health Service.

Demolition has begun on a building purchased by the Mount Isa Hospital, with future plans for the soon-to-be vacant lot near the hospital for several years still to be decided.

‘The Club’ on Isa Street, which was originally a bowling alley that then became a tavern before last being an adult entertainment venue that closed almost a decade ago, was purchased by the North West Hospital and Health Service in 2024.

The existing building on the site was deemed unfit for use and had been boarded up, with issues including leakage, dilapidation and asbestos.

Health Service chief executive Sean Birgan said the planned demolition will clear the way for future projects on the 4100 square metre block.

He said it was exciting to commence the demolition process and begin a community engagement process to determine future designs for the space.

“While we have lots of ideas, we don't know yet what the space will look like in the future, but we do know it will be safer and more secure for those who work and live nearby and will benefit the community greatly as we expand our health services,” Mr Birgan said.

Demolition works have begun at 'The Club', purchased by the Mount Isa Hospital.

“We know the community have plenty of memories of the space as we discovered during our garage sale back in 2024, we can’t wait to imbue the building with a new purpose that supports and reflects the North West needs.”

Mr Birgan has previously spoken on the critical need for expanded mental health services in the Mount Isa region.

“Some of our services, particularly our mental health service, are under significant pressure and unfortunately, across the state and the country, and certainly here in the North West, there is a great need,” he said in July.

Mount Isa (Mt Isa) Hospital Photo: Leonie Winks

A garage sale of items from ‘The Club’ was held in August last year and included memorabilia, signage, beer and cocktail glasses, artwork and furniture from the former venue, with funds raised going towards the refurbishment of hospital staff accommodation and facilities.

With demolition works having commenced on January 20 and expected to be completed in early April, the NWHHS advised while workers are aiming to limit disruptions to the community there will be noise pollution and potentially dust surrounding the area.

'The Club', pictured in 2023, which was vacant for a number of years.

While the demolition works are ongoing the car parks between ‘The Club’ on Isa Street and the Leichardt Medical Centre will be temporarily closed.

The NWHHS said they sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciates the community’s understanding and co-operation during this time.

Keep up to date via the NWHHS’s Facebook page.

Originally published as Demolition begins at Mount Isa former venue ‘The Club’, with future plans to be decided