Locals concerned over future of closed Greenslopes Bowls Club

The future of a closed bowls club site in Brisbane’s southeast is up in the air, more than a year after it closed, with some locals concerned Council might sell the venue.

The site of the Greenslopes Bowls Club.

The future of a closed bowls club site in Brisbane’s southeast is up in the air after a tenant vacated the site, sparking concern from residents that Council might sell the venue.

Greenslopes Bowls Club, also known as Club Greenslopes, was still being used for social bowls as well as a live music venue and for functions until the end of 2022 despite competitive bowling ending at the venue in late 2021.

Club Greenslopes, who were the previous tenants of the site were only on a month-to-month lease and informed Council they did not intend to stay before vacating the premises last week.

“It’s very difficult to financially keep a small sporting club going, particularly bowls and many other similar bowls clubs have also had to close,” a Club Greenslopes spokesman said.

“If you know the history of the club we did try many things like music and community events to try to keep income coming in.

Competitive bowling at the Greenslopes Bowls Club back in 2006.

“Bowls greens are expensive to maintain to a competitive standard, which is why many that could do it replaced grass with carpet.”

In recent months, neighbours have grown concerned about the state of what many called a “derelict” site as well as the possibility of it being sold by Council.

“If it is true, it is rather disturbing news. It would be a prime site for redevelopment,” one resident said.

“The bowls club has been left ‘derelict’ for some time.”

The Greenslopes Bowls Club used to be a venue for concerts, live performances and festivals. Members of Dr Hook tribute band who played at Club Greenslopes. Picture: Crooked Line Photographics

But Council said it had “absolutely no intention” to sell the site and would run a tender process soon to find a new community lessee.

“Our Council has a great range of community facilities, such as libraries, pools and halls, spread throughout Brisbane, which help make our suburbs a great places to live, work and relax,” Council’s Civic Cabinet Chair for Community, Arts and Night-time Economy Vicki Howard said.

“We want the former Greenslopes Bowls Club to continue to be a local gathering point and look forward to a new tenant revitalising this great site for the local community.”

The Club Greenslopes spokesman said there was “certainly” no intention from Council to do anything other than find a new tenant to keep a community and sporting focus.

“The site is zoned sporting. They have been supportive and helpful to us,” the spokesman said.

Many locals believed the property could be used for affordable housing, not just community purposes,

Council said they it maintain the site, including mowing and any maintenance, in the meantime.