An exciting new future for our club and our community
The Coorparoo RSL & Community Club has been searching for a new home following the successful sale of our building to aged care provider Bolton Clark (formerly RSL Care). Brisbane City Council recently informed us that our club is the preferred tenderer to take over the former Greenslopes Bowls Club (‘Club Greenslopes’). We have now entered into lease negotiations with Council, which provides a clear path for the future of our club and the Greenslopes community.
Once we finalise the lease in coming months, we plan to invest $3.5 million in a renovation and refit, with the goal of moving our club’s entire operations to Greenslopes. The Board is very happy with this outcome as it gives the club a greater degree of certainty about its future operations. We think it will also be a great outcome for the Greenslopes community as the closure of the previous club left a large hole in its social fabric.
Our priority is to retain our club’s strong values and sense of community and to revitalise the amenities that existed at Club Greenslopes. We’ll be opening a bar and bistro, adding a café, and returning the live music and entertainment that locals grew to love. We will also rejuvenate the two bowling greens. At this stage, we propose that one is retained as a green for social bowls, and the other becomes a green space for families and the community. This will be a great addition to our existing service offering and a wonderful asset to the community.
Most importantly, by securing the ongoing operation of the Coorparoo RSL and Community Club, we can ensure the Sub-Branch continues its important and long tradition of supporting returned service personnel. As you know, your club also supports a range of other community groups – sporting clubs, schools and youth associations – and this move will ensure we continue supporting these worthwhile causes and organisations.
The proposed move to Greenslopes was overwhelming supported by a vote of members last year. However, we know and respect that some members would prefer the club stays where it is or considers other locations. This is simply not possible. The new development at our current site is scheduled to begin in 2024, subject to lease negotiations with Council, so we need to act now to continue the club’s ongoing operations. The sale of the existing site has left the club in a very strong financial position, and this new arrangement will help us to consolidate that position in the years ahead.
This is the beginning of a very exciting journey for our club. The Board and management are committed to keeping you informed throughout the transition via this web page, a dedicated email address greenslopes@coorparoorsl.com.au and on noticeboards at the club. As always, you are welcome to call or come into the club to provide feedback.
FAQs
When will the new club open its doors?
Pending lease negotiations with BCC, the initial renovation will be completed by the end of 2024, allowing the club to fully relocate to Club Greenslopes in early 2025.
Will ownership and management of the club remain the same?
Yes, it will be the existing entity, Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) Coorparoo and Districts Sub-Branch Inc.
Will there continue to be events for Returned Service Personnel?
The club looks forward to continuing to commemorate the likes of ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and ‘VJ Day’. It will also continue its in-kind support for internal associations and community groups. There is a proposed dedicated space for an RSL office and display library.
Will the name change?
Consideration will be given to changing the name. There will be consultation to choose a name that reflects the purpose and location of the club if the trading name changes.
What services and facilities will be lost?
No services will be lost and it is anticipated that additional offers such as social bowls and multi- use green space will be available to members and the community.
What services and facilities will be gained?
Live music, a bowling green, an outdoor green space, additional parking, RSL welfare office space, and light, bright and contemporary café, bistro, bar and function spaces.
When will members and the community see the renovation plans?
Very soon. RSL Sub Branch members and social members will be updated via regular emails, dedicated website page, social media and information forums. Members without a computer can request updates via regular mail. Additionally, the Holdsworth Street club will prominently display relevant information on noticeboards and stands.
Can members and the community provide feedback?
All stakeholders and members can provide feedback via dedicated email greenslopes@coorparoorsl.com.au , regular mail, the RSL’s website or by calling or dropping into the Holdsworth Street club. Once the lease is signed, the RSL will also host local community events and create pop-up information days at the Club Greenslopes site.
Will membership costs increase?
No, the $2 annual membership will be maintained.
Will members continue to receive food and beverage discounts, member draws and promotions?
Yes, there will continue to be offers and discounts for members along with club activities for the community such as free trivia.
What will the relocation and renovation cost?
Coorparoo RSL & Community Club proposes to invest $3.5 million in capital improvements to revitalise the Club Greenslopes site. The phased renovations will ensure all existing operations are relocated and, importantly, the RSL’s strong sense of community is maintained.
Will the club be available and affordable for the local community?
Yes. The RSL welcomes new members and facilities will be better than before. The two bowling greens will be renovated, one will be retained for social bowls, and the other will become a green space for families and the community. Live music will return to the site and the building and grounds will be fully renovated offering café, bistro, bar and event spaces.
Will the new club host live bands like the old Club Greenslopes?
Yes. Live entertainment will return to the club, including family-friendly performers.
How will the new RSL club impact residents and neighbours near the Greenslopes site?
The renovation and refit will occur within the BCC’s strict building codes. Once completed, there will be ample parking at the front and rear of the property. The Coorparoo RSL’s relocation will breathe new life into the area and provide a valuable social and recreational facility to the whole community.
Will the new club create noise or parking issues for neighbouring properties?
No. Club Greenslopes successfully co-existed with its neighbours for 65 years as a social and sporting club. The site is zoned ‘sporting’ and the RSL will operate under the same strict BCC regulations, Government licensing, parking and noise codes as Club Greenslopes.