August 2025 Breaking News
Forestville RSL Club Redevelopment Project Gains Approval
The Forestville RSL Club is pleased to announce that its Development Application to build new Club facilities and a boutique retirement community has been approved by the Sydney North Planning Panel and Northern Beaches Council.
These significant milestones mark the beginning of a bold transformation that aims to secure our Club’s future while providing enhanced facilities for our members and guests.
The approved plans include the construction of a single-level, state-of-the-art Club featuring meeting and function spaces, multiple dining options, family-friendly play areas, configurable event spaces, and RSL displays and sub-Branch office space. Alongside this new Club facility will be Garraway, a boutique retirement living village housing 52 independent living apartments designed to support seniors in a connected and thriving community.
The redevelopment aligns with our Club’s commitment to diversifying income, improving club facilities, and building on our capacity to grow community support and reflects the same foresight our founders demonstrated 66 years ago.
The Club is acting now to protect our financial wellbeing and ensure we remain a vibrant centre for the local community. Most importantly, we are proud to achieve this without selling any of our land or relinquishing local control of our club.
The redevelopment will be delivered in two stages. Stage one involves building the new Club facilities, 16 independent living units (ILUs), and significantly increased underground car parks while ensuring the existing Club continues operating. Stage two will see the construction of three additional ILU buildings with 36 apartments and associated car spaces. The existing Club facilities will be demolished only when the new facilities are operational.
Beyond securing the Club’s financial future, the project will provide numerous benefits to the Forestville community. These include modernised amenities for members and guests, expanded dining and entertainment options, improved employment opportunities for local residents and significantly increased undercover parking, which together will enhance social interaction and local economic activity.
We are thrilled to deliver a sustainable development that meets the needs of our members, supports our seniors and secures our club’s future, while also strengthening our ability to contribute to the wider community.
Over the past decade, we’ve provided over $2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to local groups, and this redevelopment allows us to expand that support even further.
The proposal has been carefully designed to minimise community impact. During construction, the Club will remain operational, ensuring continuity for members and guests, while managing disruptions. The project also addresses environmental and local concerns, including compatibility with neighbouring parklands and surrounding properties.
Next Steps
In terms of next steps, Forestville RSL Club members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed redevelopment in a General Meeting planned for October. An “Information Memorandum” will be shared with all members over the next few weeks to ensure informed decisions are made about this essential and financially rewarding initiative for the Club’s future.
Stay Connected
We’re committed to keeping you informed about the progress of this exciting project. To ensure our members remain accurately informed, we encourage you to visit www.heartofforestville.com.au and contact us with any questions by clicking here.
We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress in the coming months and years ahead.
Regards,
Tony Mooney, President and Ian Thomson, CEO
Forestville RSL