THE Narooma Sporting Services Club is planning to redevelop the bowling club into a new, state-of-the-art entertainment complex that will attract new clientele ensuring the club’s future.
But first it must sell its other assets being the Servo’s Club, Whale Motel and neighbouring cottage to raise the $4.5million to build the new complex.
The bowling club redevelopment however will see the loss of one of three bowling greens as planning regulations and financial costs will restrict the new project to a single-storey building.
NSSC president Graham Reeve informed those present at an information session at the bowling club last Wednesday that the Eurobodalla Shire Council does not want a double-storey building and the extra costs could be as much as $2.3million.
Another major hurdle is the construction of a roundabout on the Princes Highway at the notorious intersection of McMillan Street and Bluewater Drive.
Shire mayor Neil Mumme said council designers were currently working on preliminary designs for the roundabout that would be provided to the Roads and Traffic Authority later this year.
The entire streetscaping project on that section of road is around $2million with the roundabout costing $700,000 alone.
“We’re reasonably confident we will get the RTA funding,” Mr Mumme said.
A RTA spokesperson said the RTA has been discussing a number of projects with Eurobodalla Shire Council, including the proposed roundabout.
“The RTA has reviewed the proposal submitted by council and, in principle, agrees with the construction of a roundabout at this intersection,” the spokesperson said.
“The RTA is happy to consider contributing financially to the project, should an application for funding be put forward. Any contribution would be dependent of the availability of funds at the time of the application.”
Mr Mumme said the new Narooma Sporting and Services Club was at the gateway to the town and so it was vital for the community that project progressed being a valuable asset for the town.
Regarding the debate about the building two-storey, he said he would “personally not rule anything out” as variances to the council planning regulations were possible.
Bowling Club members at Wednesday’s meeting called on the NSSC board not to give up on the concept of a two-storey building to save all three greens.
But Mr Reeve said it cost around $50,000 a year to maintain each green and the majority of club members wanted to see the project go ahead regardless of wether a green would be lost.
The club at its current rate of income would go broke in only a few years.
“With current 10 per cent downturn in revenue, the company will run out of funds in three years or less under the current separate roofs,” the club document on the process states.
The board says it is vital to create a facility attractive to younger people and families, with other venues in town attracting people because of alfresco dining.
The new proposal would see a large deck and outdoor dining area with in-door, out-door gaming facilities.
Regarding the sale of the existing facilities, Mr Reeve said the board was hopeful that the Services Club could be turned into a community asset such an health-centre for senior citizens, while there was a push to keep the current operators of the Whale, Matt and Jen Deveson, in town.
“They have done so much for the town, we would hate to see them go,” Mr Reeve said.
On Sunday 25th May a Special General Meeting will be held at 11.00 am at the NSSC (Servo) to obtain members permission to sell the Services building. An information pack will be mailed to all members on the 2nd May outlining the business of the day. The current timetable is to lodge a DA with council by mid August 2008.
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