Easts Leagues Club’s ‘sneaky’ Christmas bid to knock down Waverley Bowlo
An Easts Leagues Club bid to knock down Waverley Bowling Club and turn its greens into a swanky $83 million residential block has been lodged over the Christmas break in an effort to escape public scrutiny.
A “sneaky” bid by Easts Leagues Club to knock down one of Sydney’s oldest bowling clubs and turn its greens into a swanky $83 million residential block complete with gym and private park has been lodged over the Christmas break in an effort to escape public scrutiny.
Furious supporters of the 124-year-old Waverley Bowling Club have exclaimed their disgust online after being alerted to the development application lodged on December 20.
The impressive architectural plans detail a six-storey complex of 90 units, a leisure centre, cafe and lounge bar, childcare centre, an aged care facility and communal green.
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Easts insists it has been considerate in its bid taking into account solar access to the units, ventilation and public transport for elderly residents but more than 20 residents have complained online in the 20 days since the plans were lodged.
The controversial planning bid had split the club and Easts which had merged in 2010. Easts, which is home to the Sydney Roosters and has $65 million in assets, failed to live up to its promise to upgrade the club and instead had its sights set on developing the bowling club’s 1.1 hectares of prime real estate.
At a heated meeting in August 2017 members were asked to vote on a series of resolutions that would give the Easts board almost unfettered power over the bowling club site, including the authority to sell or redevelop the land.
They suffered a shock defeat when the plans were overwhelmingly rejected at a specially convened meeting.
One resident Alexander Sharp told the Saturday Telegraph: “This application has been submitted in the Christmas break in order to get it through the system without due process or normal consultation with residents and locals.
“It appears to be a very sneaky attempt to avoid scrutiny. It concerns the demolition of the Waverley Bowling Club and replacing it with a multistorey development on the corner of Henrietta and Birrell Streets.
“It is most concerning to many who have discovered what appears to be going on behind everyone’s back.”
Another Christina Erskine wrote on line: “As an East Leagues Club member I rejected this proposal along with many other fellow members as it would take away a valuable community asset.
“As was suggested, upgrades to the facilities should be made and it be kept as totally publicly accessible.”
Neighbour Kendall Strachan protested: “Residents cannot comment effectively/correctly. Poor form.
“This development was voted against 2:1 by members of the club last year at a specially convened meeting.
“It is against member wishes and should be rejected outright until members have agreed what facilities will be delivered for its members and not just for Easts Leagues club profit.”
Waverley Council said no decision had been made and consultation would happen in the new year.
Easts Leagues Club was unavailable for comment.
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