RSL Club on the move

The Parramatta RSL Club would sacrifice its bowling greens to build a new facility at a cost of $55 million.

The proposed new, one-level building, east of the current one on the western side of the 1.1-hectare site, at 2 Macquarie Street, would be constructed on the club’s three bowling greens.

The club, which would continue to trade while part of the basement car park and the new building was constructed, would subsequently be demolished.

The statement of environmental effects prepared by the professional consulting firm, Urbis, for Paynter Dixon, on behalf of the landowner, the Castle Hill RSL Group, noted the bowling greens would not be replaced.

“The loss of the three existing bowling greens reflects falling interest and bowling membership as well as a change in sporting preference and demography associated with residents and workers within Parramatta CBD”, the report said.

The report said the siting and orientation of the building had been designed to enhance the O’Connell-Macquarie street corner and provide outdoor lounge areas along the O’Connell Street frontage

Urbis said the proposal provided an improved outcome than currently exists on the site

“The club is taking this opportunity to re-develop the site and provide an enhanced and contemporary hospitality venue with increased benefits to its members and guests, as well as workers and residents of the Parramatta CBD and broader area,” the report said.

Surface and basement parking, totally 699 spaces, consists of  77 surface spaces located on the western portion of the site, 275 spaces at basement level 1, 172 spaces at basement level 2 and  175 spaces at basement level 3.

The existing car park facility owned by the RSL on the southern side of Macquarie Street, opposite the club, would continue to be used.