Toowoomba’s Rink 46, formerly Drayton Bowls Club, revamp planned by City Golf Club to council

Three years after being saved from oblivion, a Toowoomba bowls club has unveiled plans for a major internal and external revamp that includes covered greens. See the plans here:

Concept designs sent to the Toowoomba Regional Council for planned staged extensions to the Rink 46 Bowls Club, formerly known as the Drayton Bowls Club.

A Toowoomba bowls club that has been transformed into a popular restaurant and functions space will enjoy even more renovations under a three-stage plan.

The City Golf Club has lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council to further revamp the old Drayton Bowls Club on Gipps Street, which is now called Rink 46.

Under the report by Precinct Urban Planning’s Paul Kelly, the renovations would include extensions to the existing clubhouse and a new car park in place of an old pump shed in the first stage.

“The extensions facilitate relocation of the gaming machine area as well as extensions to the entry and administration area, new storage room as well as new female amenities,” the report said.

Concept designs sent to the Toowoomba Regional Council for planned staged extensions to the Rink 46 Bowls Club, formerly known as the Drayton Bowls Club.

“The external appearance includes a new modern design for the entry to the building that includes an external porch/landing and screened designated outdoor smoking area (DOSA).

“Relocation of the gaming machine area will allow for an extension to the existing lounge area.”

The second stage would see the third bowling green removed to create another 31 car parks, bringing the total on-site number to 80 along with 22 street spaces.

Canopies would then be installed on the remaining greens in the third stage to allow for bowlers to compete during all weather conditions.

“Stage 3 will also involve replacing the turf for the remaining bowling greens with artificial turf,” the report said.

“The proposed development seeks to extend the existing clubhouse building which provides enhanced opportunities to host organised sporting events and support the overall primary function of the premises as an outdoor sporting activity.”

Concept designs sent to the Toowoomba Regional Council for planned staged extensions to the Rink 46 Bowls Club, formerly known as the Drayton Bowls Club.

The plans come nearly three years after the City Golf Club acquired the Drayton Bowls Club to save it from oblivion in 2022.

Speaking in early 2023, CGC general manager Peter Constance said the extensive refurbishments included a complete overhaul of the kitchen.

“We’ve given it a significant investment and decent facelift – we’ve basically remodelled the whole premises and it’s trading well,” he said.

“To make it work, we had to attack it immediately, because we couldn’t just walk in there (and open), we had to make sure the product was up to standard.”