Club Rivers is enjoying the success of turning air space above an 8m-wide former ground-level carpark into a new and impressive Level 1 glassed-in rooftop venue, The Canopy. Featuring a vaulted, operable glass ceiling, The Canopy, created extra floor space and 100 extra seats for the south-western Sydney venue when it opened late last year, all the while keeping the admin carpark below.
With its indoor-outdoor feel, The Canopy can be used in all weather as the glass panels can be left open in good weather or, alternatively, be closed off and the space air-conditioned in hot, cold or rainy weather. It can accommodate up to 80 seated patrons and also features an attached covered balcony area that can cater for a further 40 more.
“The Canopy is a space that has an abundance of natural light and natural airflow which can be enjoyed as a great destination for your F&B experience,” club CEO Paul Millar told Club Management, adding that the space had received high praise.
“The response has been excellent, we had the full support of the members as they agreed that an amazing space such as this was definitely missing in the Riverwood area.
“It has been well occupied by families and gatherings of friends and also just for a casual catch-up for a drink or two.
“We have also begun hosting our trivia nights out in the area, which kicked off in February.”
During the 22-week construction of the new two-level structure, the club also took the opportunity to create a new sports bar, The Bunker, which replaced ground-floor administration offices.
With a build by Boden and Altis as architects (both Dee Why RSL Club, among others), The Canopy added 200sqm of floor space to the south-western Sydney venue. Meanwhile, a new F&B offering comes via experienced club operator Mikes Grill @ Club Rivers and the main dining space has also had a reface of its existing bar and bistro. A temporary gaming space is soon to be reconfigured and revived as a family-friendly dining venue (100pax) with kids’ room as part of the plan.
The existing main bistro will also be made a little softer while the existing Asian restaurant on the railway-side street front also to be reimagined.
Read the full story in the Winter issue of Club Management magazine. Free for club employees. Subscribe now.
