Dubbo RSL Club unveils Sporties plan
A $2 million redevelopment of the old Sporties club is set to include a new carpark, renovated kitchen and improved access to bowling greens. READ ABOUT THE PLANS HERE.
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Bowlers will soon be back on the greens at the old Sporties club as plans for a $2 million overhaul of the iconic Erskine Street site gain momentum.
As part of the proposed overhaul, one bowling green is set to make way for a carpark, the Sporties kitchen will get a facelift and two new synthetic bowling greens will be installed in place of the existing greens.
Sporties, which was also known as the Dubbo Railway Bowling Club, has been closed since February 2019 when administrators were called in and the property was sold at auction.
After the Dubbo RSL Club purchased Sporties, work began on a plan to breathe new life into the business.
The demolition of the existing western bowling green and construction of a new 51-space carpark is the centrepiece of the proposed overhaul.
Dubbo RSL Club general manager Gus Lico said an awning would also be constructed to provide undercover access to a new side entrance.
He said as part of a development application being assessed by Dubbo Regional Council, construction of a new pedestrian ramp was proposed to give bowlers access to greens when the main club building could be closed.
“By the time we look at doing the greens and refurbishment inside and the carpark, we’re looking at around the $2 million spend mark,” he said.
“Inside, we’re getting new LED downlights, a new ceiling, carpet and doing paint job all the way through the place.”
The days of all-you-can-eat will not return when the club is reopened, Mr Lico confirmed.
“The buffets will go, there’ll be no self-service and we’ll keep it as a Thai restaurant.
“In the kitchen we’re retiling all the walls, fixing up the flooring and bringing in new equipment.
“I’m probably being a little bit optimistic but I was hoping we would be trading by Christmas time.”
Mr Lico said 10 staff would be employed when the club opens and the Sporties name was likely to be dropped.
“I’ve got about eight or 10 names already in mind, but I will put it out to the members and on social media for people to vote on, or if they’ve got an idea of their own we’ll take that into consideration as well.
“We intend to make a good go of it and make it a successful business.”