Narrabeen RSL leasehold offered to breathe new life into the club

Sydney’s Returned and Services Leagues clubs are undergoing a renaissance as patrons and members look for a night out with improved food, beverage and entertainment offerings as an alternative to pubs.

RSL Club was founded in 1916 as support organisation for people who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force. RSL clubs remain focused on members but as numbers dwindle, operators look to expand the business to attract younger members.

Generally, the properties sit on prime slabs of land, and investors and operators leap at the chance to get a foothold into a neighbourhood when the clubs close or are put on sale.

One such club is the Narrabeen RSL, known as the “Razza” on Sydney’s northern beaches, has its lease up for sale. It will give the club a new livelihood after it went into voluntary administration earlier this year when turnover and patronage took a pandemic-related hit.

CBRE’s Leif Olson and HTL Property’s Sam Handy are advising the facility’s landlord, the Narrabeen RSL sub-branch, on the campaign for a leaseholder for the popular venue.

Under the plan, the RSL sub-branch will work with the operator to provide a meeting point for veterans and their families to access services, support and camaraderie and to commemorate.

“Savvy operators are changing tack, particularly post the pandemic, to increase market appeal,” Olson said.

“For many RSL clubs, this means repositioning to target a younger demographic, focusing on entertainment to drive a quality F&B offering, and extending operating hours to be morning, noon and night, with additions such as kids play areas and barefoot bowls.”

Adapting to suit a changing clientele has already paid dividends for the reinvented Dee Why RSL, which recently underwent a two-year, $100 million makeover.