That’s an RSL? Inside the $50m renovation of Gosford RSL featuring restaurants, brewery and a museum

After seven years of planning, and two years construction, Gosford RSL is set to open.

That’s a club?

In time for the Easter long weekend, Gosford RSL is set to open it’s new club on Wednesday March 27th after an incredible two year renovation which cost $50m.

The new facility was built next door to the current club house, which will now be knocked down.

The three-storey landmark building, which was seven years in the making, has five diverse dining options, recreational spaces, conference centre, sports bar, on site-brewery and RSL museum.

Pictures of the old Gosford RSL. Source: Supplied,

Newly renovated Gosford RSL. Photo: Steven Woodburn

The construction was seven years in the making. Photo: Steven Woodburn

The cuisine, which includes food from modern Australia, Asian fusion, Argentinian grill as well as wood-fire pizzas and a cafe, is under the direction of Simon Quick (previously Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Terrigal).

Gosford RSL CEO Russell Cooper said initially the plan was to renovate the existing clubhouse, before the club decided to undertake a complete new build.

“We are pretty proud of the building. It’s what we had dreamt of. It’s something that makes a statement. Our site is the gateway to The Central Coast and we feel this is not only something that locals can be proud of but something that makes visitors say wow,” he said.

The RSL features five different culinary offerings. Photo: Steven Woodburn

And a brewery! Photo: Steven Woodburn

As it stands the club has over 30,000 members, but Cooper expects that number to climb higher with the new opening.

“Central Coast traditionally has an older demographic but we’re seeing more young families move to the area with the cost of living crisis in Sydney.

“Making sure we don’t alienate our existing membership but accounting for this change in demographic is something we factored in with the building and design,” Cooper said.

“Younger generation are coming back to clubs because they are crying out for that sense of community and connection. Things like trivia and meat raffles were once poo pooed, but we’ve seen younger people come streaming back for that.”

The club was founded by Ernest White, a respected local AIF Captain in 1960. White, along with 60 members, pooled their resources to establish the RSL’s inaugural premise which was a Ford garage with corrugated iron walls, a tarred floor and no ceiling.