Corporate News

Midlands-Ballarat RSL Sports and Services Club’s highly anticipated $7million upgrade is in full swing at the Invermay Park golfing and bowls facility.

Planning and building permits have been officially approved, together with gaming and liquor approvals, marking a major milestone and giving the club a new lease on life.

Seven years ago, Midlands partnered with Villawood Properties to develop the adjoining 113-lot Drew’s Paddock estate on club land and plot a course for long-term growth by the club.

The works now under way will take between 10 and 12 months and see enhancements to the main bar and back of house infrastructure and gaming room, a multi-purpose space, new entry, bingo flow and service improvements, and a kitchen extension including new cool rooms.

The club’s expansion and upgrade is a testament to club and developer working in tandem for a mutually beneficial community outcome.

“We’re hoping to open some of these new exciting upgrades for the Christmas/New Year period,” says Midlands chairman Darren Bandy.

“These improvements are part of our broader plan to revitalise the club. The brand-new bistro will be completed early in 2027, rounding out the upgrade works and providing a fresh and modern space for everyone to enjoy.

“We’re seeing a flood of newcomers to the club and they’ll be really pleased with our meals and hospitality areas receiving the al fresco bistro expansion, with a new bar and outdoor areas, as well as extra office space plus a kids’ playground.

“The al fresco, with its180-degree vista of the golf course and sunset views, is set to drive more open-air events. The dining-entertainment area also boasts views to the course and will spill out to the open area.”

From Villawood’s perspective, Drew’s Paddock is a remarkable project, one where Midlands had the foresight to develop a section of its driving range as a true quality housing project and spearhead a very real resurrection in the club’s fortunes.

“This has allowed the club to address its debt, renovate and expand its clubhouse, attract new members and post successive fiscal surpluses,” says Villawood’s Victorian Regional Manager Julian Perez.

“And residents of Drew’s Paddock have flocked to the club, which in the matter of just a few short years has become a thriving, exciting and important community hub.”

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