The plan will see a new clubhouse built on the current carpark adjacent to Central Coast Highway, designed to be a significant building marking West Gosford as the Gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.
It is also a statement of confidence by the club’s directors in the future of Gosford and the wider area the club serves.
The new three level building of 6,800 sqm will be about fifty percent larger than the current clubhouse but on a smaller footprint of about 3,500 sqm which means that when complete and the present clubhouse is demolished there will be a significant amount space freed up for future expansion and development.
“That’s how we briefed our architects: to focus on the fact that our new club needed to be something that would service our community, should be something they could be proud of and, in recognition of our location, the building should make a statement as the gateway to Gosford and the Central Coast.” CEO Russell Cooper said.
Very Supportive
The Development Application was lodged in March 2018 and Mr Cooper said Central Coast Council staff were very supportive and collaborative in helping address any potential issues which could have prevented planning approval.
Council recommended that the DA be approved and the JRPP reached a unanimous decision to approve the DA.
Panel members congratulated the Club and their architects on the outstanding design aesthetics and benefits that the development would deliver to the community.
The final plan will see a ground floor entry, RSL Museum, reception for both the cub and Galaxy Motel, as well as offices, cellar and storage areas.
The first floor will comprise a café and dining areas with multiple food offerings catering to families and groups of all sizes, plus lounge, bar and terrace.
The second floor will hold a sports bar, conference and events space with capacity for up to 800 people, a rooftop bar and restaurant and the newly established Oak Haven
Brewing Co microbrewery.
Mr Cooper said four years of research, consultation and planning had gone into the project.
Construction is expected to start late next year with completion set for 2020.
