The RUC will be given a new look over the next 12 months. Photo: The RUC Facebook.
One of Canberra’s favourite spots for a slow afternoon – especially if you’re after a cold one and want to roll some bowls – is getting a makeover.
The RUC Turner Bowls Club has begun two months of construction work and refurbishments to create a more modern and improved bowling club.
The RUC secretary-manager Jeremy Wilcox said the club began renovating in mid-April and would remain open the whole year, besides closing on Christmas Day.
“The club is 60 odd years old, so we’re looking to modernise a reasonably old building and stay within the internal footprint,” Jeremy said.
“It’s going to be more comfortable and efficient, so we’re really just trying to create more space for the food and beverage areas.”
The RUC’s renovations are expected to be completed in early 2023.
Jeremy said renovating The RUC was something they always wanted to do, but the pandemic made it extremely hard for the club, with significant losses during the compulsory shutdown.
“The planning was accelerated when the pandemic hit,” he said.
“Having the one person per four square meters rule taught us the more front of house space you have, the better, so now it’s like we’re almost pandemic-proofing The RUC.”
As the club was known for having too much back-of-house space, Jeremy said they wanted to find a way to utilise it better.
“What the pandemic has taught us is to try within this existing footprint to turn that space and the wasted storerooms and things like that into additional space for our community, for our members and guests,” Jeremy said.
“It’s going to create a more comfortable space rather than one to fit more people.”
The club also wants to be fully electric, upgrading its electrical power supply and installing new air-conditioning, as well as getting a new cool room and a new glass wash area.
“We’re replacing all the furniture with the chairs and tables, and we’ve got a new sports lounge,” Jeremy said.
New toilets are also set to be built, as well as a new deck area that will face Haig Park.
Jeremy said he’s really looking forward to seeing the club come together.
“We’re the same old RUC, a friendly, inclusive place, but we’re just trying to make it more comfortable for people to come and enjoy,” he said.
The RUC team looks forward to showing Canberra what the club will look like this time next year.
“This is an exciting journey for all of us at the RUC. We hope you’re just as excited to come along for the ride.”
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