Southport RSL reveals new name in multi-million dollar upgrade
Hipster alert. One of the Gold Coast’s most historic RSL clubs is now so much more than a place for your grandparents to hang out. SEE INSIDE
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New York may have SoHo but we’ve got SOPO.
One of the city’s oldest RSL clubs has had a major facelift – and the result will drive the hip crowds in droves.
Named after its abbreviated suburb, the Southport RSL revealed its rebranding and multi-million dollar revamp on Tuesday – SOPO – hot on the heels of the Bulletin’s exclusive sneak peek at the venue’s new cocktail bar, Seductions, on Friday (see below).
SOPO president Lawrie Pollard said the club’s upgrade would play a “central role in the revitalisation” of Southport’s entertainment precinct.
“We are driven to lead the way and transform SOPO into the new heart of Southport,” he said.
“You could think of (SOPO) as a boutique casino providing world-class entertainment, dining and gaming.
“It’s a great, modern venue for locals and holiday makers alike to visit and enjoy.”
Mr Pollard said the club had invested $1.8m into “long overdue” ground floor renovations and stage 2 (level 1) is due for completion in early 2023.
Renovations to date include Palm Springs, a restaurant with a new, modern menu; Beats, a refurbished function stage aimed at attracting popular bands and artists; and Seductions, a cocktail bar unveiled to The Bulletin last week.
Stage 2 will include Social, an open-air bar targeted at younger Gold Coasters and upgraded upstairs facilities.
Michelle Fragar, director and founder of BRANDiT Marketing, who was instrumental in the rebrand, said: “We are so respectful of the club’s past, but after extensive research and an
understanding of public perception, it was clear the community want a modern,
vibrant, and intriguing venue.
“Not only has the club had a physical make over, but the management team and I have also
reviewed the customer experience, all food menu options, new booking and ordering technology, online member renewals and much more, making this one of the biggest and most exciting evolutions in the club’s history.”
Mayor Tom Tate said the launch of SOPO was “a historic day for the city” and “we’re so glad that Sopo is leading the charge in entertainment, fine dining and fun.”
Revealed: Surprising location of new Southport cocktail bar
Expect to be tempted and tantalised at a new cocktail bar opening in a surprising Southport location.
Seductions bar will welcome patrons in the rebranded Southport RSL as part of a multimillion-dollar makeover of the venue set to be revealed next month.
The Bulletin has been given an exclusive look inside one of the new renovation zones for the RSL, with the full plans and new name to be announced on May 3.
Seductions promises to be a “a unique cocktail and dessert drink destination” serving up lavender margaritas and scrumptious tiramisu cocktails.
Venue spokeswoman Michelle Fragar said the community had been crying out for a new and fun nightspot in the heart of Southport.
“The Southport RSL is so respectful of the club’s past, but after extensive research and an understanding of public perception, it was clear the community want a modern, vibrant and intriguing venue,” Ms Fragar said.
“Not only has the club had a physical makeover, but the management team and I have also reviewed the customer experience, all food menu options, new booking and ordering technology, online member renewals and much more.
“This is one of the biggest and most exciting evolutions in the club’s history.”
In February, the RSL club was ordered to pay its veterans subbranch almost $200,000 for wrongfully evicting them.
The order, made in the Brisbane District Court, was the latest in ongoing tensions that have bubbled between the Southport RSL Memorial Club, which runs the venue, and the Southport RSL Sub-Branch, which provides the services for veterans.
Judge Ken Barlow ordered the club to pay $192,820 to the sub-branch because it was found to have breached the lease in April 2020.
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