Geebung Rsl Reveals Expansion Plans

Big plans are afoot at Geebung RSL with the venue set to be transformed into an exciting social hub for the community.

A development application was lodged with Brisbane City Council in March, with improvements that include a new alfresco café, bar and dining area, remembrance garden, and RSL veteran’s welfare office. 

CEO Greg Hurley said the RSL needed to protect its core business and veteran support and advocacy values, while also looking to the future.

“The changes will maintain the traditional club offerings expected by our current loyal club members whilst also delivering fresh and innovative food, beverage and entertainment locations to attract the changing local demographic,” Greg said.

The Geebung RSL Board and Management developed a comprehensive strategic plan in late 2019, but the process was delayed due to COVID-19. Early last year the RSL initiated the development of a club master plan in consultation with BSPN Architecture.

“At the end of the day, particular areas of the club have become under-utilised, for example, the large downstairs sports bar,” Greg said. “Whilst well patronised on a Friday and Saturday the rest of the week this area is dormant and not generating income – so, with its idyllic positioning on the corner of Newman Road it lends itself to optimum street activation for an off-street access café, bar and dining offering including an alfresco area. A multi-purpose sports bar and lounge will be re-established in another area of the club.”

Also proposed is a separate RSL sub branch office and a new veteran welfare office, which will provide greater efficiency, privacy and comfort to veterans and their families. A new Remembrance Garden will be developed to complement the existing Memorial Wall, incorporating landscaped gardens, pathways, water feature, memorial story walls and plaques honouring past, current and future military personnel.

“Geebung RSL is so pleased and grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown by our local state and federal members for this project to be fulfilled for the benefit of the local community,” Greg said.

“All going well from a planning and logistics perspective we are aiming to deliver the new offerings over the course of late 2022 into early 2023.”