Goulburn Soldiers Shows Its True Colours

The $4 million project has transformed several areas within the Club, including a sports lounge, outdoor areas, gaming section and and the café/lounge.

Such was the size of the development, almost half of the venue was under construction, but remained operational throughout. 

“To put it into context it’s been 40 per cent of our main floor,” says Goulburn Soldiers General Manager Toni Mitchell.

“So that was pretty much all closed for four-and-a-half-months.

“At the end of the day, we have a big Club, so we still had plenty of area for people to come and eat and drink. It was three weeks longer than expected, but it was worth the wait.”

As well as optimising the space of the gaming area, the creation of an immersive sports lounge with strategic seating for optimal viewing, and an energetic atmosphere, is a sports lover’s dream.

“In our sports lounge we put another eight metre TV screen to go with the 10 metre one we already have in there,” says Toni.

As for the theming of the decor, it was never going to be dull.

“I don't do what everyone else does – I always do things a little different,” says Toni.

“I guess at the end of the day a lot of pubs and a lot of hospitality venues go very much for the bland whites, but I always go for a bit of colour. 

“I think it just adds atmosphere. I always do that. You’ve got to walk in and go ‘wow, this feels comfy’.”

Comfort is aplenty in the lounge area which alone now has a seating capacity for 60 members and guests and incorporates earthy tones and warm colours to resonate with the brasserie concept. 

The old carpet has been removed from the coffee shop area and in its place is a hard surface with comfortable seating arranged in a way to create more privacy, along with an easy-to-access raffle display area.

One of the biggest changes is Club’s ‘parkside’ section, which was modernised for the first time in decades.

“In that corner a long time was a smoking area,” Tony says. “It was like a terrace, so what we did was turn it into an outdoor-indoor room.

“So, we’ve got opening windows all the way around, so it’s very comfortable inside. There’s air conditioning, but it still has the feel of an outdoor room.”

Bergstrom Architects – who were involved with the Club six years ago on a different redevelopment – were also behind the latest project. 

Tabatinga Dine & Play, a dedicated children's play area, was also introduced in that time.

“When we did that, it was very modern for the time too,” Toni says. “So, with this we needed to match that part of the club … the styles needed to complement each other.”

Another bar upgrade is on the horizon, but for now the Club is thrilled with result of its latest project. 

“It’s been an overwhelming success,” says Toni.