The Sydney North Planning Panel has unanimously approved the $77 million redevelopment of the registered Club built in 1959 in Forestville, 12km north of Sydney's CBD.
Northern Beaches Council recommended the development application to the Panel for approval, covering the construction of a single-level new Club and Garraway – a boutique retirement village with 52 independent living apartments.
"The redevelopment aligns with our Club’s commitment to diversifying income, improving club facilities, and building on our capacity to grow community support and reflects the same foresight our founders demonstrated 66 years ago," said Forestville RSL President Tony Mooney and Club CEO Ian Thomson in a statement.
"The Club is acting now to protect our financial wellbeing and ensure we remain a vibrant centre for the local community. Most importantly, we are proud to achieve this without selling any of our land or relinquishing local control of our club."
The redevelopment will be delivered in two stages. Stage one involves building the new Club facilities, 16 independent living units (ILUs), and significantly increased underground car parks while ensuring the existing club continues operating.
Stage two will see the construction of three additional ILU buildings with 36 apartments and associated car spaces. The existing Club facilities will only be demolished when the new facilities become operational.
