Brisbane bowls club saved from demolition in $6m deal — ABC News Australia
In Brisbane, Australia, local investor Will Griffin bought the Coorparoo Bowls Club for $6 million. The deal is intended to save the club from demolition for the construction of high-rise residential buildings, ABC News reports.
Two bowls greens will be preserved
The club, which has been operating for 97 years, was bought by Griffin Hospitality Group. The agreement with Bowls Queensland provides for both bowls greens to be retained: one will be used for competitions and the other for casual play.
Bowls Queensland chief executive Fletcher Dyson said the organisation turned down an offer that was $1 million higher in order to preserve the bowls greens. According to him, the decision was made not only with money in mind, but also to preserve the club's role as a community hub.
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The club is set to be renovated
Will Griffin said he intends to renovate the club premises, bar and kitchen while preserving the venue's character. He said he wants visitors to be able to play bowls, eat, meet friends, come with their families and be part of the local community.
The current Coorparoo Bowls Club committee, which fought to preserve the club for several years, will continue to run it under a five-year lease. Committee chair Mark Delbridge called the deal a new stage for the venue and its members.
