The Grange Bowls Club has been demolished for a complete redevelopment, but residents say it is important that the popular venue remains a popular family gathering place.
Futsal fields, a covered deck, a large outdoor LED movie screen, public space and a putting green are being built as part of the $2.5 million renovation.
Grange Thistle Football Club bought the bowls club in 2021, and president Anthony White says changes are needed to make it financially viable.
The club which has about 1500 players also needs more space for football.
Most days in 2026, less than a dozen players played at the venue, but it has become a family hub. With food trucks and a bounce house, the club often attracts hundreds of kids and their parents on Fridays and weekends.
“The bowl numbers have continued to struggle and the handling of the bowl vegetables is poor,” White said.
“We are committed to keeping the bowl alive … I don’t want to be the one to kill the game after being here since 1946. On the other hand, we needed to find other ways to pay the bills”.
A development application submitted by Brisbane City Council shows the two western green spaces will be replaced with three futsal courts, a warm-up area, and a small outdoor gym.
Other sports will also be hosted on this ground, possibly including “backyard” cricket, handball and tennis.
The remaining green will be significantly reduced to allow open space and a large outdoor LED screen for live sports or movie nights.
“We wanted to be open for this World Cup, but it’s a commitment to complete these projects,” White said.
A covered deck area is also being installed, with capacity to accommodate just over 100 people.
On the east bank, there will be a three- or four-lane bowling green. It will also be used for other sports including golf putt putt and cornhole.
“It’s going to be more for the social type of bowlers that can get into it … if you want to bowl tournament, we’re not the place anymore,” White said.
The club is also in discussions for a new food and beverage supplier.
Resident Franca Pearcy has taken her grandchildren to the “hub of the community” for years, and said it’s important the club continues to function as a place for families to meet.
“It’s a place where a lot of people gather, generally with children, and it’s a really good sense of community,” he told a newsstand at a nearby playground.
“It’s a great area for people with young children that’s safe … it’s an important part of the community.”
Georgie Cottrell regularly takes her children to the club to meet friends, and said it was very important to reserve an open space.
“Friday afternoon after school everyone goes to the bowls club and the kids just run around, have a good time, and the parents get to talk and catch up and drink.
“As long as they don’t take up the green space (it’s fine) … it’s just important that there’s still open space for the kids.”
White added that there had been a shortage of sports facilities in Brisbane’s north side since the closure of Newmarket’s inner city centre, and the new arrangement would help fill this gap in the market while attracting more people to the club.
The project is being funded through a $1 million grant from Brisbane City Council – which owns the land – and another $1.5 million from the state government.
“It’s great to see the work progressing,” LNP councilor Danita Parry said in a statement.
“These clubs have become an important part of our community and this investment will help ensure they continue to bring people together for many years to come.”
Handicap access, fire lines, electrical systems, plumbing, drainage and irrigation are also being improved as part of the renovation.
Work on the club, opened in 1944, began in February. It aims to complete the redesign by October.
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