Gosford RSL development: COVID-19 uncertainty delays project for 12 months
The ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19 has created a new twist in the $32 million Gosford RSL redevelopment.
Central Coast
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The highly anticipated redevelopment of Gosford RSL has been put back 12 months, with a new start date of January 2022.
The club has announced the delay of the $32 development, attributing it to the uncertainty of COVID-19.
The development, which includes a brand new club with a microbrewery and rooftop bar, was given the given the green light by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel back in September 2019.
“Over the past couple of years, Gosford RSL has been progressing steadily toward the construction of our new club,” Gosford RSL chief executive officer Russell Cooper said.
“The COVID-19 crisis of 2020 has been a monumental challenge for everyone. Throughout the crisis Gosford RSL Club has worked hard to support our members, our staff and our community.”
He said Gosford RSL had hoped the COVID-19 crisis would have been close to being resolved by now.
“Unfortunately, there is still no clear timeline and there is no clear definition of what the ‘new normal’ will be,” he said.
“Because of this uncertainty, the Gosford RSL Club Ltd Board of Directors and CEO have made the decision to postpone the start of construction of our new building for 12 months.”
After the 12 months, the club will be ready to hit the ground running with planning approvals, architectural and planning documentation complete and a building tender package ready for market.
The expected start of construction is now January 2022 with completion expected mid-2023.
In the mean time, the club will continue to trade right through to the opening of the new premises.
“We remain committed to this project; however, we believe it is prudent to establish greater clarity before committing members’ resources,” Mr Cooper said.
According to plans first lodged in March 2018, the current RSL building will be demolished to make way for a three-storey building “about 50 per cent larger” than the current clubhouse, but on a smaller footprint.
It has been designed to be a “gateway to the Central Coast” and will include a RSL Museum, cafe and dining areas, lounge, bars, event space with a capacity for 800 people as well as the newly established Oak Haven Brewing Co. microbrewery.