Concord club eyes mega-unit plan to stave off financial troubles
A STRUGGLING inner west club is negotiating with a giant mega-club from south western Sydney to build a massive residential complex.
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A STRUGGLING inner west club is negotiating with a giant mega-club from south western Sydney to build a massive residential complex.
In an effort to keep the Concord RSL & Community Club alive, it is understood the local RSL sub-branch wants to build more than 100 apartments for over-55s on the club’s doorstep.
The sub-branch, which owns the land on which the club sits, has just signed a management agreement with the massive Mount Pritchard Community Club — Mounties — to “provide advice and expertise” in running the club.
Mounties confirmed it is also talking to Concord RSL sub-branch about a possible joint-venture partnership on the 9000 sqm property just off Nullawarra Ave.
But Mounties said no decision on what will be built, if anything, had been decided.
If the plan goes ahead, a refurbished clubhouse would be built. The two bowling greens that were used by the Concord RSL Bowling Club would be swallowed up by the redevelopment.
The Mounties Group has redevelopment experience. It is building a retirement complex at its Harbord Diggers club on the Northern Beaches.
Concord RSL has been looking for an amalgamation partner since 2015 to turn around trading losses. It rejected a proposed merger with Burwood RSL.
The current redevelopment negotiations has sparked a walk out by the bowling club, which has used the greens since 1962.
A bowls club spokesman said about 50 bowlers have already moved to other clubs including Burwood RSL, the Briars Sporting Club and Denistone Bowling Club.
“The bowling club members and many RSL club members were disappointed by the (redevelopment) decision as they believed that a better alternative existed with an offer from the very successful Burwood RSL Club to merge with the Concord RSL & Community Club,” the spokesman said.
“The current men and women bowlers ... will relocate to other local clubs, but will miss the wonderful environment and enjoyment that they have experienced for many years at Concord RSL.”
Sub-branch secretary Bob Turner said the “ageing” club needed to “consolidate its position” so it could continue to support ex-service personnel and offer services to the community.
Mr Turner said the sub-branch commissioned an evaluation report which indicated that the property would be of greater value with a “higher use”.
“We were looking for a partner and Mounties came in on that.
“The sub-branch believes it is building something for the contemporary returned service people and at the same time the community will have a nice new club and the sub-branch will have new premises.”
Mounties Group CEO Greg Pickering said under the arrangement the Concord club retains its own Board, management and staff and that discussions on a joint-venture development are still in the early stages.
“Concord RSL & Community Club has been financially struggling for a long period of time and this agreement gives the club a new lease of life and opportunity to grow and prosper,” Mr Pickering said.
“It should be noted that the RSL Sub-Branch will remain part owners of any future development.
“If both parties decide to combine to create a new community owned asset, this would only be done after studies, discussions and feedback from club members, all stakeholders and the local community.”