Development plans move ahead at C.ex Woolgoolga, Urunga and Coffs

A huge new outside deck, more space for gaming machines and pre-sales for apartments - the C.ex group is spending up big at three prominent locations.

John Rafferty has outlined recent plans at three of the C.ex clubs in the region including the latest on the $44m highrise in the Coffs CBD.

An upgrade for a Woolgoolga club is the latest in a long list of development plans in the pipeline at the three C.ex venues across the region.

Plans were lodged with Coffs Harbour City Council earlier this month for a $2.5m upgrade at the C.ex Woolgoolga Bowling Club.

The Boundary Street venue was built in the 1950s and features two synthetic bowling greens with a clubhouse, TAB, brasserie, lounge, gaming area and large function room.

The application before the council says the alterations will provide a greater emphasis on gaming and lounging by converting an under-utilised function room.

The gaming area will be relocated into the function room and the entrance lounge extended.

A new covered alfresco dining area will also be built.

C.ex CEO John Rafferty said the changes were more about improving the function of the club, particularly the entrance, and spreading out machines to allow for social distancing rather than increasing the number of machines.

“Not at the moment anyway,” Mr Rafferty said.

“We have a gaming licence for 76 machines and only have 57 so we’re not increasing that licence.”

The proposal includes demolition work and some structural alterations to incorporate the proposed alfresco areas as well as construction of a new exit driveway onto Boundary Street.

Plans for a large deck overlooking the river at Urunga.

Meanwhile, the company’s proposal to build a large deck to seat up to 40 people at its Urunga club has been approved by Bellingen Shire Council.

Work will start once the development application for an additional 70 carparking spaces is approved.

Mr Rafferty has also provided an update on the club’s $44 million thirteen-storey residential and retail high-rise in Coffs Harbour.

The much-anticipated project was recently given the official tick of approval and Mr Rafferty says construction should begin in July next year.

The club’s $44 million thirteen-storey residential and retail high-rise in Coffs Harbour.

He has also revealed the first round of pre-sales for apartments will begin in early December.

The name Coda was chosen for the development.

“It reflects that idea of coastal living with cosmopolitan flair that we’re going for,” he said.

“Boulevard was one possibility but that’s been used before and it’s not situated on a water Boulevard.”

Apartments inside the $44m CBD high rise will go on presale in December.

Coda will include 95 apartments, 155 carparking spaces and seven retail spaces on the ground floor, as well as an open-to-air public laneway joining Harbour Dr with Vernon St.

The residential tower will be made up of one, two and three bedroom apartments and City Boulevard will be demolished.

Mr Rafferty said that having people living in the city centre would play a crucial role in reviving the “tired” area, and increase patronage at local businesses.