Lismore Workers’ Club plans to develop after flood pain

One of Lismore’s most popular licensed clubs will bounce back from the devastating flood with a bold new look. See what is planned.

The Mothership: Lismore Workers’ Club will be rebuilt. Artist's impressions October 2022.

A development application has been lodged with Lismore City Council for the resurrection of one of the town’s most popular venues.

Almost eight months after record floods, many in the community were unsure if their beloved Lismore Workers’ Club would ever open its doors again.

Even the owners had their doubting moments, stating a timeline to reopening was ‘indefinite’, at best.

Lismore Workers Club March 2022. Picture: Supplied

But that was then and this is now, and a development application has just been lobbed for works at the club.

The estimated cost of the alterations and works is put at $10,974,150.00.

Plans reveal substantial changes to the first level floorspace and exterior facade including:

• Removal of sections of enclosed external wall space and provision of new external glazing windows adjoining the new level 1 TAB and lounge area
• Removal of section existing atrium glass roof and extending the building line east and provision of new external glazing windows
• Demolition of internal walls, fixtures and fittings associated with the existing function rooms 5, 6, 7 and 8 and connecting toilets, staffrooms, chemical storeroom, airconditioning service room and cocktail lounge
• Demolition of existing bistro internal wall leading to upper mezzanine, mezzanine planter box and internal wall connecting to lift
• Alterations to the ground floor level entry off Keen Street
• Additional improvements proposed to the club’s roof
• Extension of the existing first floor level from the bistro through to the existing void area
• New cafe and lounge area
• Relocation of the gaming machines to the first floor area in lieu of area currently used for function rooms, including an alfresco gaming area, duty managers room and count room
• Relocation of the existing TAB lounge
• New centrally located amenities
• Replacement of existing elevator; and
• New bar and dining area.

The flood took a terrible toll, forcing the demolition of all fixtures and fittings on the ground floor level.

Works after the 2017 Cyclone Debbie. Picture: Supplied

In order to be more flood resilient, the Workers’ Club plans to move the electronic gaming, TAB, bar and cafe services located on the ground floor to the first floor above the flood planning level.

“By virtue of the ground floor level of the club no longer offering operational services or proposed to be reinstated, the club operating capacity has been reduced,” developers said.

“The proposal does not increase the capacity of the club operations.”

The external facade of the club will change, according to developers, with three key alterations:

• Extension of the level 1 existing atrium glass roof and extending the building line east, including provision of new external glazing windows.
• Provision of new external glazing windows adjoining the new level 1 TAB and lounge area; and
• Alterations to the ground floor level entry off Keen Street.

“The alterations will be architecturally consistent and in keeping with the existing building design to ensure an aesthetically pleasing design outcome is achieved,” developers said.

The Workers’ Club has not included any new signage in its development application.

No earthworks will be involved, just alterations.

Staff have been shuffled between the sister clubs to maintain employment and news of the ‘mothership’ being repaired has got the town buzzing.

The Lismore Workers’ Club is a popular social activity hub in the heart of the CBD which fills a significant niche for residents, workers and visitors.

Established in 1954 in a cottage at 199 Kent Street, it relocated to 225 Keen Street in 1959.