Residents are pushing to cancel Stafford Bowls Club lease with Brisbane Racing Club

Brisbane Racing Club’s lease for the abandoned Stafford Bowls Club has angry residents urging Brisbane City Council to dump the ‘closed door’ deal. SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

A push is on to have Stafford Bowls Club handed back to the community after a lease deal was made with Brisbane Racing Club.

The iconic club, at 352 Stafford Road, closed its doors in 2016.

Brisbane City Council recently transferred the lease of the premises to the Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) after a controversial deal, described by some as “closed door”.

“We’re very saddened that a for-profit company has been granted a 20-year (plus) lease for a public asset and one that is not attached to the community,” Stafford resident Anna Campbell said.

Marchant Ward Councillor Fiona Hammond told a different story, explaining the community was excited for the new establishment.

“I’ve lost count of the number of locals who have told me how excited they are about this multimillion-dollar plan to transform the former bowls club into a fantastic new entertainment destination,” Ms Hammond said.

Stafford Bowls Club has fallen into disrepair after closing in 2016. Photo: ‘Stafford community hub not race club’

BRC have proposed to renovate the club with a budget of $7.5 million.

The refurbishments include new dining facilities, a cafe, a sports bar and an estimated 78 gaming machines.

In 2018 Crushers Leagues Club, operating as Brothers Grange Community Sports Club, lodged an application with the council to refurbish the club, a 20 year lease was granted but the club had since advised it cannot proceed with the project due to issues with liquor and gambling licences. The lease was then given to BRC.

Stafford Bowls Club Sports and Community Centre in 2019. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

“Injecting 70-plus pokies into a community — it is reprehensible,” Ms Campbell said.

“This feels like an untoward deal that doesn’t pass the pub test.”

Three Brisbane councillors have since confirmed they received gifts from the BRC and abstained from voting on the lease transfer.

“We don’t feel that our councillors, or council, are listening,” Ms Campbell said.

“Watching the council debate made me so sad about the lack of leadership and positive legacy for our suburb.”

During the meeting on the transfer of the lease, Labor leader Councillor Jared Cassidy (Deagon) commented: “The local LNP councillor and this council have failed to protect a community facility for the community, which was thriving. It’s a disgrace.”

Stafford Bowls Club Sports and Community Centre in 2019. Picture: AAP /Richard Walker

“We’ve got the Olympic and Paralympic Games in less than 10 years now,” he said.

“There are amazing opportunities right across the northside and the southside for a historic investment in community and sporting clubs, that delivers genuine community benefits.

“It must, include the community along the way.”

Residents have vented their frustrations with what they say is a lack of transparency and a lack of community consultation.

“Unprecedented times are calling for a re-look at priorities and what really matters for keeping the social threads of community together,” resident David Hodgo said.

Facebook group members want to rally against the decision and meet to discuss their vision for the future of Stafford.

Stafford Bowls Club has been closed since 2016. Photo: ‘Stafford community hub not race club’

“This is what has saddened me and motivated me to bring the community together,” Ms Campbell said.

She is the creator of the Stafford Community Hub Not Race Club Facebook page.

”What we need is a positive hub, where the community is given the tools and the space to thrive,” Ms Campbell said.

“Our community needs a leg up, not what (has been) proposed.”

Brisbane Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Tony Partridge says his club was looking forward to the opportunity to reinvigorate the site at Stafford Bowls Club into a “vibrant community hub” for all to enjoy.

“BRC will work to partner with and consult many different community groups and appropriate stakeholders to provide a space that serves the wider community.”