How are clubs raising the bar in 2024? Paynter Dixon has a finger on the pulse of innovation.

Celebrating 110 years of design and construction, the privately-owned Australian company is a proud market leader in the delivery of award-winning hospitality venues.

Quality on scale

Strategic Development Lead for Hospitality, Andrew Neagle, recently returned from Southeast Asia where Paynter Dixon led a study tour of high-profile venues in the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam and Singapore.

The industry expert was impressed by the exceptional standard of materials and finishes showcased by integrated resorts in the region, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“Global competition and evolving consumer expectations are pushing luxury to an unprecedented scale,” notes Neagle. “Marina Bay Sands has over 2,500 hotel rooms and suites of palatial quality finishes. Despite high room costs, hotel occupancy rates are consistently above 98 per cent, which has led to the operator announcing plans for building a fourth tower with an additional inventory of 1,000 suites.”

The takeaway?

“Regardless of size, if your venue has a premium brand offering within the local market, you will attract a premium customer. An investment in quality-built assets creates a quality return. While inflationary pressures and the cost of living have increased, consumers have maintained their spending for experiences which they regard as exceptional and higher value.”

Sense of arrival

Neagle highlights the importance of creating a ‘sense of arrival’ for patrons, triggering a positive emotional response. Paynter Dixon is currently working with a large regional club on a major refurbishment of the venue, commencing with the entrance experience. The works entail a new porte cochere, wall gardens, water features, upgraded driveway, drop-off entry, high-quality lighting, natural timber finishes, and large internal and external LED promotional screens to welcome arrivals. The project will involve a staged works program, with the following stage involving the refurbishment of dining areas, cafes, bars, indoor and outdoor gaming and extensive lounge areas.

“We look at how the ‘wow’ factor – which is established on arrival – flows through the venue. There is consideration of the overall layout, and the relationship between various spaces for optimal comfort.”  

Battle of bars

Bars are more sophisticated than ever before, says Neagle. For one thing, large and centralised bars are necessary for accommodating the ever-growing range of beverages for discerning customers, including craft beers on tap.

“From a functional perspective, the design of a bar and surrounding space is key to maximising access and minimising traffic. Centralised bars can also operate with great efficiency, reducing workload for staff while providing a visual anchor for patrons.”

Principles in practice

Paynter Dixon’s fit-out of the Petersham RSL Club is testament to these principles. Patrons enter an elegant marble foyer, before venturing further into a stylish interior environment that impresses with the use of premium and imported materials, from hand-pressed mosaic tiles to velvet and suede finishes.

The new RSL features restaurants, indoor and outdoor gaming lounges, an auditorium and day spa. The main bar and glazed skylight courtyard provide a centre point.

Paynter Dixon was subsequently awarded ‘Construction (Commercial), Interior Fitouts, $8 Million – $10 Million’ at the Master Builders Associations NSW 2023 Excellence in Construction Awards. The judges noted: “This [fit out] has given the local area a club with increased membership which reflects the ambience created with detailed and quality workmanship.” To learn more, contact Andrew Neagle on andrew.neagle@paynterdixon.com.au.