Sale of Bowling Club sparks workers into action

Helensburgh Workmen’s Club members have voted to sell the club’s Stuart Street site and pursue a relocation to the Helensburgh Bowling Club.
Tenders were expected to be called for the 5000sq m site in early May.
Funds from the sale of the site would be used to buy the Bowling Club which is worth about $2 million.
The Bowling Club was placed on the market after members of both Helensburgh and Engadine bowling clubs voted to sell the property at a meeting on 10 April.
It has a land area of 9930sqm with an additional 2300sqm of leased crown land and is for sale by tender through Richardson & Wrench Miranda, with tenders closing on 24 May.
Engadine/Helensburgh Bowling Club general manager Gary Baudinette said the Helensburgh operation was losing so much money it threatened the future of both clubs.
“If we didn’t do something soon, both clubs may close,” he said, adding that Helensburgh was losing about $20,000 a month.
Engadine rescued the club in 2002 with a commitment to the people of Helensburgh and the Licensing Courts to keep it open for three years.
“I just don’t think Helensburgh can sustain two clubs and a hotel,” Mr Baudinette said.
Tenders will be assessed based on “the extent and strength of the commitment to maintain bowling on the land”, according to the tender documents.
The secretary manager of the Helensburgh Workmen’s Club, Gordon Steele, did not wish to comment on the club’s plans due to the tender process.
However long-term member and former president Frank Krinks confirmed members had voted to sell the Stuart Street land and investigate a relocation.
He attended the 24 April general meeting where the resolution was considered and said the decision was unanimous.
“We’ve got to do something with that land – it’s costing us $12,000 a year in rates.”