Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially opened Petersham RSL’s new $33m clubhouse on the site of a former car park and redundant light industrial area in Sydney’s inner west. Special guests arrived at its hotel-like foyer and reception area, designed by ARC Architects with a Red Design fit-out, to attend the opening of the venue which features spacious interiors.
The new club by Paynter Dixon offers the Lantern Cafe, At Ease lounge area, The Olive Bistro and kids play area, plus a sports bar with TAB/Keno and indoor and alfresco gaming areas for 182 EGMs (from a permitted 248), conference facilities and the luxurious Sereno day spa. Natural light spills in from a void and several floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also a fully kitted out, but yet-to-be-activated stand-alone restaurant.
The facilities are spread across 3000sqm and will accommodate the club’s 10,000 members. There is also 500sqm of office space for club administration staff who will soon be moving from their workplace across the road.
The clubhouse sits below one of three residential towers constructed by Deicorp, consisting of 199 units that sold out before completion, in addition to 150 car spaces for the members and guests of the new 900-capacity inner-west venue.
The club will retain ownership of 30 units as an additional income stream to that coming from F&B, gaming and the hosting of functions.
Club chief executive and 40-year member Danny Fitzgerald said the long-term viability of the club is now assured.
“I don’t see it as a legacy project for me, I see it as a legacy project that has been delivered by directors past and present and the membership,” he said.
