A bold $9 million redevelopment plan for Club Lennox has been unveiled, promising a complete transformation of the ageing venue into a modern, family-friendly community hub.

The planned upgrade is the latest move from Cherry Street Sports Group, which worked with the community to help rescue Club Lennox from permanent closure in 2013.

The plans now on public exhibition will see a complete makeover of the club’s 1970s floor plan, including new indoor and outdoor dining spaces, family zones and upgraded amenities.

CEO Tere Sheehan said If approved, construction could begin in early 2026 and be completed in time for the year-end holiday period.

 “This is more than a facelift. It is a once-in-a-generation investment to deliver the kind of venue the Lennox community deserves.  A true community hub for one of the fastest-growing towns in the region.”

A Club for the Future

The redesigned venue will include a large alfresco dining area extending over one of the two current bowling greens.

The championship green will be on the Stewart St side, with future plans to cover the green for all-weather, year-round competition.

 Mr Sheehan is confident one green will meet demand.

“Based on current usage, one green is more than enough,” he said. 

“This isn’t a cutback, it’s a step up. We want to offer bowlers something better.”

The rebuild will also deliver a reconfigured floor plan with a new kitchen, bar, function spaces, and a dedicated family zone.

The gaming area will be moved to a less prominent location similar to the successful Cherry Street redesign in 2017,  separating it from family areas.

Mr Sheehan said the design reflects the needs of modern patrons, not just in amenities but in atmosphere and acoustic management.

“There’s a perception we’re building a big beer garden and that’s simply not true,” he said. 

“This is about building a welcoming, safe, family-friendly space. We’re investing in soundproofing, double-glazed windows, and a layout that keeps music and noise contained.”

Despite the scale of the works, the club plans to remain open throughout construction, with operations shifting between temporary facilities as each stage progresses.

“We want to keep serving the community right through, so the plan is to do it in phases to allow that to happen,” Mr Sheehan said.

Turning Point for Lennox — and Ballina Too

The Club Lennox upgrade is the culmination of a long journey.

Cherry Street stepped in to save the club after it was abandoned by a Sydney operator and briefly closed in 2013.

Local fundraisers and the Cherry Street team helped get it reopened, and since then, it has gradually rebuilt its role in the Lennox community.

“People said we were mad to take it on, especially as we didn’t own the land, and we had no fallback if it failed,” Mr Sheehan said.

“But we believed this town needed a club. That belief hasn’t changed.”

Today’s proposal has been years in the making, with delays due to complex regulatory approvals.

Plans are now open for public feedback until July 25.

If approved before Christmas, work could begin as early as March–April 2026, with the goal of having it finished before the following Christmas and in time to host the NSW State Bowling Titles in 2027.

Mr Sheehan also confirmed Cherry Street has longer-term plans for its Ballina headquarters, including refurbishment of the main club and the potential development of a new recreational precinct to the south of the site.

“We’ve started early-stage planning for Cherry Street as well,” he said. “It’s not shovel-ready yet, but our members in Ballina can expect more upgrades in the near future.”

Concepts include a large undercover sporting area with potential for pickleball courts and all-weather community use.

📌 Quick Facts – Club Lennox Makeover and Redesign

• Project Cost: ~$9 million
  
• Timeline: Construction to begin March–April 2026 (pending approval)
  
• Public submissions close: July 25, 2025
  
• Operating during works: Yes, phased construction planned for minimal disruption
  
• Next phase for Ballina: Master plan in development for Cherry St Club upgrades