Gosford RSL: A $50 Million Transformation into a Premier Dining and Entertainment Destination

 

Project Overview

In a monumental redevelopment project, Gosford RSL has transformed into a premier dining and entertainment hub on the Central Coast, thanks to a $50 million investment and the strategic insights from hospitality experts at Tully Herd Consulting. The newly renovated club now boasts alfresco dining, an award-winning brewery, a sports bar, and extensive event and conference facilities, setting a new standard for leisure and entertainment venues.

Redefining Hospitality with Innovative Design

The redevelopment introduced several state-of-the-art features to cater to a diverse clientele:

  • Al Fresco Dining: The outdoor terrace, shielded by a stunning 12-meter-high ceiling, ensures an all-weather dining experience.

  • Sports Enthusiasts’ Haven: The sports bar, named 'The Grandstand', is equipped with large screen TVs and superior sound systems for an immersive viewing experience.

  • Cultural Preservation: The inclusion of an RSL Museum celebrates the club’s heritage and honors veterans.

  • Craft Brewing on Site: Oak Haven Brewery enhances the venue's appeal by producing locally brewed beers, directly served from cellar to tap.

Strategic Growth Through Market Research

The decision to overhaul rather than merely extend the existing structure was driven by comprehensive market research conducted by Tully Herd Consulting. This research involved:

  • Focus groups with club members and non-members.

  • Consultations with board members and club staff.

  • A thorough feasibility study which led to the decision to construct an entirely new building.

This approach ensured that the redevelopment precisely catered to the needs of its core business while allowing for expansion to attract a broader audience.

Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

A crucial aspect of the redevelopment was enhancing operational efficiency, particularly in the face of rising business costs. Gosford RSL achieved this by:

  • Integrating a microbrewery, Oak Haven, which supports vertical integration by producing beer on-site, thus improving profit margins and offering unique products to customers.

  • Sourcing all ingredients from Australian suppliers, which supports local businesses and ensures freshness.

A Culinary Journey

Gosford RSL now offers a diverse culinary experience, including:

  • Perilla Grill: Modern Australian cuisine.

  • Ali 88: A blend of Chinese Fusion dishes.

  • Morana: Featuring a rotating pizza oven.

  • Club Cafe: Offering lighter fare and coffee.

Each dining area emphasizes local sourcing and sustainability, incorporating spent malt from the brewery to create unique culinary ingredients.

Impact and Results

Since the redevelopment, Gosford RSL has seen remarkable growth:

  • Revenue has doubled to tripled initial forecasts.

  • Membership has surged from 23,000 to over 36,000.

  • The venue has won 27 awards for its brews, indicating high product quality and customer approval.

Conclusion

The $50 million makeover of Gosford RSL, guided by expert consultancy and a strategic focus on market needs, has successfully repositioned the club as a top destination on the Central Coast. This project not only enhanced the club's offerings but also strategically expanded its market reach, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability in the competitive hospitality industry.

 

Revitalising Community Spirits: The Hub Sports Bar at Club Mudgee

 

Project Overview

Club Mudgee has long been a cornerstone of community and hospitality, delighting locals and tourists alike for over 70 years. The latest addition to this venerable institution is the Hub Sports Bar, developed in collaboration with Tully Herd Consulting. This new venture has revitalized a historic section of the club, transforming a former bingo hall and main bar into a vibrant sports and community hub.

Design and Implementation

The renovation of the Hub Sports Bar was not just a physical transformation but also a revival of a space with historical significance to Club Mudgee. The space, which had previously served as the club's main bar 45 years ago, now features:

  • A dedicated area for pool, snooker, and darts.

  • A large screen for sports viewing, enhancing the game day experience.

  • An adjacent beer garden and renovated gaming room, which enrich the social atmosphere.

The design cleverly incorporates the building's original elements, such as high ceilings and natural woodwork, adding modern touches like enhanced natural lighting and contemporary seating arrangements.

Strategic Growth and Community Focus

The redevelopment was strategically planned to boost membership and engage directly with the community’s core interests. Key strategies included:

  • Conducting extensive market research to understand both current and potential members' preferences.

  • Engaging with local sports groups and community events to ensure the club serves as a true community hub.

This focus has paid dividends, with a significant uptick in club membership following the opening of the sports bar—even before the rest of the venue was completed.

Enhancing the Member Experience

At the heart of the Hub Sports Bar is an emphasis on experience, offering more than just food and drink:

  • The venue serves as a gathering place for local sports teams, particularly the local football club, which regularly convenes at the bar post-games.

  • A diverse menu caters to the new demographics drawn by the sports bar, featuring popular local dishes and craft beers brewed in-house.

  • The club sources its ingredients from local suppliers, supporting the local economy and ensuring freshness.

Results and Impact

The introduction of the Hub Sports Bar has transformed Club Mudgee into a destination that not only honors its heritage but also meets the contemporary needs of its community. It has successfully broadened its appeal, attracting a younger demographic while maintaining its loyal base. The project underscores the importance of adaptive reuse in venue management, demonstrating how thoughtful renovations can breathe new life into traditional spaces.

This case study exemplifies how strategic planning and a deep understanding of community needs can lead to a successful revitalisation of a historic club, reinforcing its role as a central hub in the town of Mudgee.

 

Crafting a New Experience: The Transformation of Bankstown Sports Club

 

Project Overview

Bankstown Sports Club has long been a hub for dining and entertainment in Southwestern Sydney, boasting an impressive range of restaurants, bars, and its own hotel. Recognizing the need to evolve with shifting consumer trends, the club set out to revitalize underutilized spaces and attract a younger demographic. One of the standout initiatives in this transformation was the launch of The Basement Brew House, an in-house craft beer venue designed to tap into the growing craft beer movement.

Previously, the space housed an old sports bar with a traditional TAB setup, which primarily catered to an older male audience and had seen declining performance over the years. To reinvigorate the venue, the club sought to create an inviting, contemporary environment that appealed to a broader demographic, particularly the 18-45 age group and female patrons.

Design and Implementation

The decision to introduce a craft beer-focused venue was driven by the club’s recognition of the booming popularity of craft beer both locally and internationally. Drawing inspiration from Melbourne and Sydney’s thriving craft beer scene, the club embarked on a strategic redesign of the space, implementing key elements such as:

  • A state-of-the-art brewery setup with the flexibility to rotate unique craft beers

  • A modern, industrial aesthetic to create a vibrant and social atmosphere

  • A diverse and high-quality food menu designed to complement the beer offerings

  • An open and engaging layout that fosters a welcoming environment for all guests

The club’s leadership played a crucial role in championing the project, with strong support from the board to invest in innovation rather than maintaining the status quo. Their willingness to embrace change ensured that the venue would have the best chance at attracting a new wave of patrons.

Community Engagement and Market Response

One of the key objectives of The Basement Brew House was to create a space where craft beer enthusiasts could engage with the brewing process and appreciate the authenticity of house-made products. The club achieved this by:

  • Producing its own signature craft beers on-site, providing a fresh and unique experience for patrons

  • Rotating a selection of 30 beers on tap, including seven of its own brews, to keep offerings dynamic and appealing

  • Ensuring that only craft beer, rather than mainstream alternatives, was featured to maintain the venue’s authenticity

  • Creating an inclusive environment where both seasoned beer aficionados and casual drinkers could feel welcome

The response to the new venue was overwhelmingly positive. Within the first few months, The Basement Brew House had attracted a strong mix of new customers while retaining many of the existing sports bar patrons. The club successfully transitioned its audience without alienating its traditional base.

Results and Impact

The introduction of The Basement Brew House has had a substantial impact on Bankstown Sports Club’s overall business and reputation. Key results include:

  • Increased Patronage: The venue quickly became a go-to spot for craft beer lovers, drawing a younger and more diverse crowd than before.

  • Financial Success: The venue became profitable by the second month of operation, a strong indicator of its immediate success.

  • Enhanced Member Experience: Existing patrons adapted well to the new offering, benefiting from a refreshed and vibrant atmosphere without feeling displaced.

  • Stronger Brand Positioning: Bankstown Sports Club further cemented itself as a leader in hospitality innovation, attracting not just locals but visitors from across Sydney.

The success of The Basement Brew House highlights the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in the club sector. By recognizing evolving market trends and strategically repurposing an underperforming space, Bankstown Sports Club has demonstrated how clubs can innovate while staying true to their core mission of providing a great experience for members and guests.

 

From Club to Culinary Destination: How The Growers Transformed Shoalhaven RSL

 

Project Overview

The Growers at Worrigee Sports, a collaboration between Shoalhaven Ex-Servos and Tully Herd Consulting, is a groundbreaking hospitality initiative that has transformed the club’s offering and significantly elevated its appeal. Recognizing an opportunity to maximize the potential of the club’s stunning location, the project sought to redefine dining and social experiences through an innovative, locally inspired food and beverage concept.

Shoalhaven Ex-Servos acquired the Worrigee site in the late 1990s, which includes a golf course, bowling greens, a turf cricket oval, and 44-unit on-site accommodations. However, the full potential of the space remained underutilized. The vision for The Growers was to create an authentic, regionally inspired hospitality experience that celebrated local produce, drew in a younger demographic, and enhanced the club’s connection with both residents and tourists from Sydney and Canberra.

Design and Implementation

From the outset, the project was built around a strong commitment to sourcing and showcasing local produce. The menu was carefully curated to highlight fresh, regional ingredients, and the food concept was positioned as modern Australian with diverse influences. To achieve this, the team engaged in an extensive research and sourcing process that involved:

  • Visiting local farms and producers

  • Establishing partnerships with oyster growers, wineries, and breweries

  • Developing a menu that emphasized a ‘coast-to-country’ experience

  • Designing a casual-yet-premium smokehouse concept with a street food influence, featuring tacos, empanadas, sliders, and wood-fired meats

A key design element was the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to capitalize on Worrigee’s picturesque surroundings. The space was structured to allow flexibility, enabling private functions, family gatherings, and casual dining to coexist harmoniously.

To attract a younger, more experience-driven demographic, The Growers was deliberately branded separately from the traditional club. This decision proved pivotal in broadening its appeal beyond typical club-goers and drawing in a vibrant, younger audience.

Community Engagement and Branding Strategy

One of the fundamental aspects of The Growers' success was its focus on community engagement. The project took a hyper-local approach, ensuring that the produce, beverage selection, and overall experience resonated with Shoalhaven’s identity. The branding strategy positioned The Growers as a destination dining experience rather than just an extension of the club. This was executed through:

  • A modern, fresh visual identity that diverged from traditional club branding

  • Strong storytelling around local producers and suppliers

  • Active social media marketing targeting younger demographics

  • Events and activations designed to showcase regional flavors and experiences

By fostering deep relationships with local suppliers, The Growers was able to offer a unique and ever-evolving menu while also stimulating the local economy. This commitment to regional authenticity and sustainability resonated strongly with customers, further reinforcing the brand’s credibility and desirability.

Results and Impact

The Growers has had a profound impact on both Shoalhaven Ex-Servos and the broader community. Key outcomes include:

  • Demographic Expansion: A significant increase in younger patrons, particularly within the 30-year-old female market, which had traditionally been underrepresented in club demographics.

  • Tourism Growth: Positioned as a destination venue, The Growers has successfully attracted visitors from Sydney and Canberra, reinforcing Shoalhaven as a key regional tourism hotspot.

  • Membership Growth & Club Utilization: A marked increase in new memberships and greater utilization of existing club facilities, particularly for pre-dining drinks and social gatherings.

  • Revenue Uplift: Strong financial performance, demonstrating the viability of premium yet approachable dining experiences within club environments.

  • Community and Economic Benefits: Strengthened relationships with local farmers, producers, and artisans, fostering a sustainable local food ecosystem and creating employment opportunities.

The success of The Growers has provided a blueprint for how clubs can evolve to meet changing consumer expectations. By embracing innovation, prioritizing experience-driven offerings, and engaging deeply with the local community, Shoalhaven Ex-Servos has set a new benchmark for the future of club hospitality in Australia.

With an exciting trajectory ahead, The Growers is poised for continued growth, serving as a beacon for clubs looking to modernize and diversify their offerings while maintaining their community-centric ethos.

 

Elevating Entertainment: The Transformation of Yogi’s Sports Bar at Chatswood RSL

 

Project Overview

Chatswood RSL has been a community staple since 1947, serving a diverse membership of 25,000. Recognizing the evolving needs of its patrons, the club embarked on a major revitalization project to create a more modern and engaging environment. One of the standout developments was Yogi’s Sports Bar, an American-style sports venue designed to attract a younger demographic, including sports enthusiasts and social groups, while complementing the club’s other new dining offerings, such as an Italian pizzeria and a Cantonese restaurant.

The objective was to maintain the club’s strong ties with its traditional over-55s demographic while expanding its appeal to younger audiences. By incorporating state-of-the-art sports viewing, interactive entertainment, and high-quality bar food, Yogi’s Sports Bar has significantly enhanced the club’s vibrancy and relevance in the North Shore dining and entertainment scene.

Design and Implementation

The transformation of Yogi’s Sports Bar was driven by a strategic approach to competitive socialization—blending sports, food, beverage, and interactive experiences to create a dynamic, immersive environment. Key features include:

  • Expansive sports viewing experience, with multiple big-screen areas and strategically placed screens throughout the venue to ensure optimal viewing from any seat.

  • An American-style menu featuring classic bar favorites like wings, fries, and pizzas, alongside themed events such as bottomless wings and Budweiser bucket deals.

  • Yogi’s Arcade, which includes darts, foosball, air hockey, and a pool table, offering guests an interactive element beyond passive sports viewing.

  • A mezzanine-level function space, providing a private area for events like State of Origin, Melbourne Cup, and the Super Bowl.

The club leadership worked closely with Tully Herd Consulting to refine the vision and ensure the space would cater to the emerging younger demographic while staying true to the club’s long-standing community focus.

Community Engagement and Market Response

Since opening, Yogi’s Sports Bar has successfully drawn in a younger crowd, including young professionals, sports fans, and families, who were previously underserved by the club’s traditional offerings.

Key engagement strategies included:

  • Hosting high-energy events, such as Super Bowl screenings with themed food and drink specials, creating a unique atmosphere not found elsewhere on the North Shore.

  • Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, balancing high-quality dining and entertainment with affordable pricing and casual experiences.

  • Leveraging social media and digital marketing to promote events and drive engagement with younger audiences.

The response from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, with record attendance at major sporting events, significant increases in foot traffic, and an energized atmosphere that has extended across the club’s other venues.

Results and Impact

The revitalization of Yogi’s Sports Bar has transformed Chatswood RSL into a leading entertainment venue in Sydney’s North Shore. Key achievements include:

  • Stronger Engagement with Younger Audiences: Increased patronage from the 18-45 demographic, especially during weeknights and weekends.

  • Higher Attendance and Event Success: The Super Bowl event drew a packed house, demonstrating the club’s newfound reputation as a premier sports viewing destination.

  • Sustained Business Growth: Yogi’s Sports Bar has contributed to increased overall club revenue while still supporting the club’s core older demographic.

  • An Enhanced Social Experience: The venue has introduced a vibrant energy to the club, making it a go-to destination for social gatherings and sporting events.

The success of Yogi’s Sports Bar highlights the importance of innovation in the club sector. By embracing evolving entertainment trends, Chatswood RSL has positioned itself as a modern, multi-generational destination, balancing tradition with fresh, engaging experiences. With its continued momentum, Yogi’s Sports Bar is set to become a benchmark for club transformation across Australia.

 

Competitive Socialisation: Ready’s Bar At The Forefront of Entertainment on the Central Coast.

Project Overview

The launch of Ready's Bar marked a strategic move by The Doylo to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader demographic. The venue features SportsPlus, an innovative platform providing interactive simulated games such as cricket, tennis, baseball, lacrosse, golf, darts, and F1 racing. This combination of entertainment and dining aims to create a dynamic social hub for both casual visitors and sports enthusiasts.

Innovative Design and Features

Ready's Bar boasts several key features designed to enhance the patron experience:

  • Interactive Sports Simulations: SportsPlus offers a variety of virtual games, allowing guests to engage in sports activities regardless of weather conditions.

  • Live Sports Viewing: The venue is equipped with large screens broadcasting live sports events, creating an immersive viewing environment for fans.

  • Curated Dining and Beverages: A diverse menu featuring casual dining options complements a selection of cocktails and beverages, catering to various tastes.

Strategic Development and Community Impact

The introduction of Ready's Bar aligns with The Doylo's broader redevelopment plans, which include enhancing community facilities and expanding entertainment options. This project not only revitalises under-utilised spaces within the club but also contributes to the local economy by creating job opportunities and attracting visitors to the area.

Conclusion

The establishment of Ready's Bar at The Doylo exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to hospitality, integrating competitive socialising with quality dining and live entertainment. This initiative positions The Doylo as a leading destination for innovative leisure experiences on the Central Coast.