Revealed: New plans to turn Gordon, East Roseville bowling clubs into housing

Two north shore bowling clubs would be redeveloped into housing or seniors living under newly released council plans, potentially raking in millions for the council. See the pictures:

Two former bowling clubs would be turned into units under development plans in the works by Ku-ring-gai Council.

Concept plans have shown what the former Gordon and East Roseville bowling clubs could look like in coming years as part of a council proposal to generate asset funds and cater for the region’s housing needs.

Both clubs closed back in 2017 due to declining membership and are currently managed by the council.

An artist’s impression of the Gordon club redevelopment.

Similar plans are in the works for East Roseville.

New development plans released for the Gordon club shows the greens could be replaced with nine two storey homes along with a park and a loop road connecting to Pennant Ave.

A second proposal has also been considered for the site, comprising 17 seniors living units.

Similar plans are in the works for the East Roseville club, founded back in 1948, with nine units earmarked for the site and a new road connecting to Warrane Rd.

An overview of the East Roseville club redevelopment.

The council had originally planned to redevelop the sites into medium density housing, but a review by the Department of Planning ordered future developments to be limited to low density with building heights capped at 9.5m tall.

A council report shows the sites could earn at least $18 million through asset sales if the council chooses to divest the land.

The funds would be used to bankroll a list of community projects in other parts of the region including the proposed redevelopment of Marian Street Theatre.

A photo of the East Roseville club.

The plans come after past members of the clubs called for the sites to be retained for community space.

Janine Braams-Bowron, a former member of the Gordon club, said the site had been a popular meeting place for residents for 55 years.

“It’s a perfect spot for a community centre and it could also be used for local events. It should be something for the community,” she said.

The Gordon club.

The council said rezoning the clubs would “better cater for the demand of Sydney’s changing population by providing a broader range of housing options.”

“Residential zoning would … provide improved housing choice, consistent with community feedback over a number of years,” the council said.

The proposals were supported by councillors at a meeting this week and have now been lodged to the Department of Planning for consideration.