Dapto Leagues Club will be almost unrecognisable once the seven million dollar renovation is complete.
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Patrons can expect to see floor to ceiling glass windows, five large trees, exposed copper piping and new bars once the makeover is finished.
Club executive officer David Hiscox said the multi-million dollar project was expected to cater for the growing population in Wollongong’s south west.
“West Dapto is a growth area and the board of directors want to rejuvenate and renew our business to help attract new residents,” he said. “We want the club to be a modern, contemporary, top-line facility. The club will have a New York warehouse feel.”
Mr Hiscox said the main dining area would have an inside courtyard feel with glass windows that face Bong Bong Road and smaller function rooms. There will be a new island bar that sells cocktails, beers and spirits.
“The club will get a new kitchen which will allow us to expand our menu,” Mr Hiscox said. “Customers can sit in different sections of the club and the food will be delivered to their table.
“There will be all the club favourites including steaks, pizzas and pastas but there will also be Asian fusion and contemporary meals such as tapas and share plates.”
Mr Hiscox said the renovation was the next stage in the club’s makeover. In 2014 the new foyer was unveiled and there is a sports bar and lounge rooms.
“Now the club has a darker, homely and earthy feel with brown tones,” he said. “The renovations will give the club a rustic, factory feel and raw materials will be exposed such as cable tracks and air-conditioning pipes.”
The development application plans are on public exhibition with Wollongong City Council until December 5.
Subject to approval, Mr Hiscox said he hoped to start construction in April 2019 and the build would take about 30 weeks. He said he hoped the club was re-opened by Melbourne Cup day.
“There will be some disturbance to members and some areas may have reduced capacity but we will add seats to other areas.
“We will continue to trade seven days a week for lunch and dinner.”
Families will be encouraged to patron the venue when Tabatinga, a child’s play centre, opens on Wednesday.
The jungle-themed playspace will have a large netted climbing apparatus, giant slides, a ninja course and a barrel roll activity.
There will also be a toddler area and five dodgem cars as well as a pirate, princess, fairy and disco themed party rooms, and a cafe.
“Parents will be able to drop and dine on Friday and Saturday nights,” Mr Hiscox said. “Children can be singed in and they will be feed while mum and dad go have a nice meal in the club.”