THE long awaited new building of the Narooma Sporting and Services Club came one step closer to reality last week.
The Service’s Club is consolidating its Narooma operations into a single redeveloped building on the site of the existing Narooma Bowling Club while the top Services Club is still on the market to be sold.
The club’s building committee met with builders and architects to finalise plans for the new club premises, as the board approved work on the new premise to begin in late August/September once the construction certificate is finalised through Eurobodalla Shire Council.
“The new premises on the site of the existing Narooma Bowling Club will expand entertainment areas with a huge deck and outdoor area, with the new extension giving Narooma a modern visual presence to both visitors and members when passing through the town, as well as when visiting the modern facilities that the club will offer,” president Graham Reeve said.
“With the development application (DA) being lodged in December 2008, and taking until May 2010 for approval and the Services Club building not yet sold, the process has taken considerable longer than first expected.”
Mr Reeve said the board had now had to factor in the “radical” poker machine legislation that the Gillard Government is being forced to implement by Independent Andrew Wilkie, who made its passing a condition of his support of the Government.
“This will see all people have to be registered with the Federal Government, and use a special card that can be monitored, before they will be allowed to play poker machines,” he said.
Club general manager Tony Casu said the impact was expected to be a 40 per cent reduction in revenue for clubs, and thus the extra need to consolidate into one building.
“With the expected downturn in the club industry, the survival of the towns sporting teams may depend on the ability of the new club, with reduced expenses from two premises to one, to be able to survive,” Mr Casu said.
Despite the looming changes to poker machine gambling, the Service’s Club was in good financial shape with $3.6 million in the bank, plus all its assets.
The top Services Club remains for sale and once sold, the extra finances will allow the second stage of the redevelopment to take place.
The first stage of the redevelopment is the lion’s share of the work, worth $3.22 million of the entire $4.84million project.
Once the new club on the Flat opens, it is expected the top club could remain open for various community meetings including exercise and other functions until the building sells.
Exciting new plans for Services Club
The exciting new Stage 1 building plans, are set to include a 280 to 300-square-metre outdoor decking area with indoor/outdoor bar, TAB and gaming facilities.
“Most member feedback was positive,” he said. “While members were concerned at the possible loss of a bowling green, they were delighted with what they saw in terms of plans for the new premises.”
The club board and management would continue to lobby council for the possibility of extra land on the other side of the laneway to return a third green to the sport of bowls.
The ability of a third Green also lays heavily on council decisions regarding the proposed round-a-bout and Bowen St intersection, or entrance to the club via McMillan Rd, before the current Laneway can be closed.
Following a meeting last Wednesday with the builders, the board is hopeful of starting works in August or early September in keeping with their plans to complete the project by June 2012.
During the construction process, all facilities at the bowling club will operate on a reduced scale, with the Services Club operating as normal.
Building works will however be staged to provide the least possible disruption to members use of their facility, although the Bowlo restaurant will have to close for most of the project.
Edwards Construction won the tender and has a proven track record in the region including the Merimbula club as well as the innovative National Parks building in Narooma.
The new single-storey design will provide easy access for all patrons, many of whom find difficulty negotiating lifts and stairs.
A large feature of the new premises will be a large al-fresco area which will target not only existing clientele, but also the family market.
“The alfresco area will take advantage of the beautiful local weather patterns, with the outdoor area to be heated in winter and taking advantage of our natural summer breezes,” the plan states.
“Also a feature of the garden area, which will incorporate decking, paving, and grassed areas’ will also feature a War Memorial to enable returned servicemen the option of a flat area in which to hold services, or the existing war memorial opposite the Whale Motel.”
Council, RTA continue roundabout talks
Eurobodalla Shire Council roads and recreation manager Warren Sharpe said the council was still progressing discussions with the RTA on the proposed roundabout at the intersection of McMillan Road and Bluewater Drive and the Princes Highway.
“Our traffic and design resources are currently being directed to our adopted work programs and commitments within the current Council Management Plan,” he said.
“As soon as resources become available we will recommence design work on the proposed roundabout and streetscaping works.
“We have currently shown funding within the 2012/13 and 2013/14 for works on Narooma flat in the draft 2011-2014 Management Plan (currently on exhibition for public comment prior to Council adopting the budget).”
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