Southport RSL: Memorial Club secures five-year lease in Scarborough St building
The future of the Southport RSL Memorial Club is one step closer to being resolved after an ugly civil war erupted over the planned sale of its building.
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THE future of the Southport RSL Memorial Club is one step closer to being resolved.
The club has locked in a five-year lease on its Scarborough Street premises just weeks after public revelations of a “civil war” between it and its own sub-branch over plans to sell the site.
Memorial Club President Mark Tull said the confirmation of the lease was welcome news given speculation surrounding the sale of the building.
“The Sub Branch’s announcement to sell the building from which we operate came as a surprise, so securing another five years to continue to operate has provided us with the security we need,” he said.
“Our main concern is the continued provision of entertainment, dining and social activities for our 11,000 plus financial member base, and support to the veteran community, and this lease will allow to do this.
“It also safeguards the jobs of our 85 local staff which help make the great facility what it is.”
Mr Tull said the Board of the Memorial Club would continue to work with the Sub Branch on
fundraising, veteran’s health days, Anzac Day and other commemorations.
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Discussions about the sale of the building are ongoing.
The Bulletin last month revealed the sub-branch’s 300 members had endorsed plans to put the property on the market and relocate its offices elsewhere in the suburb.
The decision, according to sub-branch president John Riebeling, was “made primarily because the sub-branch can no longer afford to pay the current mortgage”.
The memorial club, with almost 12,000 members and lease to run a bar, restaurant, pokies and live shows, submitted an offer “in line with valuation” to buy the site.
Southport RSL was founded in the aftermath of World War I and was established on its current site in 1938. Its existing building was erected in 1996.
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