FEATURE: REDEVELOPMENT

Gosford RSL’s $45m transformation

The landmark building creating a Gateway to the NSW Central Coast

GOSFORD RSL’S $45M transformation has been revealed as a new landmark building for the NSW Central Coast.

The upgrade, designed by WMK Architecture with construction by local contractor North Construction & Building and outlined in a new 4D video simulation, will see the club transformed into a contemporary three-storey ultramodern venue.

The new build will feature a distinctive porte-cochere entry, RSL museum and reception servicing both the RSL and the adjoining motel on the ground floor.

The first floor will contain a cafe, lounge, bar, multiple indoor and outdoor dining options, kids’ play area and teen retreat. The second floor will showcase sophisticated conference and event spaces, a sports bar and a brewery. Another 154-car parking spaces will be added to accommodate the expected increase in the number of patrons.

It means the world to us to be able to create a venue that our community will enjoy and be proud of.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this project to life after many years of planning and delays caused by the recent pandemic,” says Gosford RSL Club CEO Russell Cooper. “Our club has gone from strength to strength over the past decade with our popularity demanding significant expansion.”

After reviewing many options, the decision was made to create an entirely new venue, to be completed by late 2023.

“We are a parochial local business and it means the world to us to be able to create a venue that our community will enjoy and be proud of whilst also ensuring we are able to continue supporting our community and providing outstanding entertainment, hospitality and employment opportunities for many years to come,” says Russell.

“The fact that we are able to partner with a successful and capable local builder in North Construction & Building is the icing on the cake. We can’t wait to welcome our members, guests, staff and local community into the new Gosford RSL Club.”

Gosford RSL Club Group has been operating since 1960, has about 25,000 members and consists of Gosford RSL Club, The Galaxy Motel and the Ashwood Motel and employs more than 130 staff.

The existing club will remain operational throughout construction as the new building is being created next door. The old building will then be demolished and a new carpark constructed in its place.

Equally as excited about the project is award-winning local contractor North Construction & Building.

“This is a very special project for us,” North Managing Director Matthew Cook says. “Not only is it a significant year for North, celebrating our 35-year anniversary, but we also now get to celebrate being awarded our largest community construction project to date.”

Not just another job for North

THE REDEVELOPMENT of Gosford RSL represents more than just another building project for Tuggerah-based company North Construction & Building.

“Our site teams and subcontractors live locally and have been enjoying the club’s facilities for many years,” North Managing Director Matthew Cook says.

“Many have celebrated significant family events at the club’s restaurant and function rooms and continue to visit regularly. This is North continuing to build in the community and help create the Gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.”

North Projects is also an experienced club project builder having had direct involvement in Wentworth Park and Gosford greyhound racing clubs, Wanderers Rugby Club,

Gosford RSL Club Director Gary Young and North Director Ray Millar at the contract signing.

Mariners Centre of Excellence Soccer 5’s Clubhouse, The Entrance Leagues Club carpark and Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club.

North staff have, over the years, worked on other club projects before starting at the Central Coast construction company. They include Kurri Kurri Bowling Club, Cessnock Leagues Club, Singleton Diggers, Sporties Tuncurry, Belmont Golf Club, Wingham Services Club, Bathurst Panthers, Wyong Rugby Leagues Club, St John’s Park Bowling Club, Wanderers Rugby Leagues Club, Berkeley Sports & Social Club South Coast, Club Foster, Dee Why RSL, Pittwater RSL, Sawtell RSL and Penrith Panthers.

North also has preferred builder status on the Avoca Beach Bowling Club refurbishment but the contract is yet executed.