End of an era for Suncity Bowl after 41 years

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES: Life in the fast lane is nearing an end for John Griffin after 41 years, with the iconic Alexandra Headland bowling alley to be sold.

Life in the fast lane is nearing an end for John Griffin after 41 years, with the iconic Alexandra Headland bowling alley to be sold.

It was in 1979 when Mr Griffin and his wife Sue first brought Suncity Bowl onto "swamp land" along Mari St and watched on as the region changed rapidly.

Now, with plenty of sadness, the Suncity Bowl will soon make way for redevelopment - rumoured to be a high-rise complex.

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Owner of Suncity Bowl John Griffin still has a genuine love for the sport.

Mr Griffin, now in his 70s, said he was past retirement age and that the stars aligned to sell.

"We got a good offer at the right time, we weren't looking to sell but it coincided with a number of things," Mr Griffin said.

"The property will be sold for redevelopment, it won't be a bowling centre and most likely will be units.

"It is a bit sad, but you realise it was always inevitable. So you get on with life."

Mr Griffin said the sale was due to settle in late March 2021, and that there was a chance it would remain as an alley for sometime while the new owners decide on its future.

He said he felt the most sadness for the small army of regulars, some of who had been bowling at the centre since it first opened.

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The sale comes after Suncity Bowl endured the COVID-19 pandemic, which Mr Griffin said was the toughest year in its history.

"We've had a wonderful time here, and met so many great people, really, my experiences are all positive," he said.

"There's so many good times, I remember the early years very clearly. We would have hundreds of bowlers every morning Monday to Friday.

"And the love is still there, a lot of our customers are very sad."

Mr Griffin said there was space on the Coast for another "pure" bowling alley to carry the mantle.

"Unfortunately, it won't be me," he said.

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