$108 million Forestville RSL redevelopment will replace bowling greens with senior housing

A major redevelopment of Forestville RSL Club is set to go ahead, with members of the local sub-branch voting on Thursday evening in favour of a senior housing development. 

What’s changing? The plan will see a housing complex constructed where the current club stands, with a new, smaller club to be constructed where the bowling greens are now. The greens have not been used for bowling for a number of years. 

The project will also include the construction of a three-level basement car park. The total projected cost is $108 million.

The Forestville club first opened its doors in 1959, and has been operating for over 60 years, just down the road from Melwood Oval.

Community pushback: Support for the redevelopment was not unopposed, however: 91 members voted down the proposal, while a petition titled Save Forestville RSL, rallying against the proposal, received over 1300 signatures. 

Among the reasons cited by the opposition is the reduction of green outdoor space proposed by the new development, as well as the sizable floor space granted to gaming facilities.