Seagulls–Twin Towns amalgamation talks end

THE proposed $30 million amalgamation of Seagulls and Twin Towns will not proceed after Norths Collective ended negotiations.

Norths proposed the amalgamation in October as part of a broader strategy to manage significant financial debt across its venues.

At the time, Seagulls was one of Norths’ few profitable clubs, but the organisation said the proposal was necessary to secure the long-term future of the wider group.

Norths had framed the potential partnership as a step that would allow Twin Towns to continue providing grants to the local community and funding sports and club promotions at Seagulls.

Under the proposal, more than 62,000 Twin Towns members would have gained immediate access to Seagulls Tweed Heads.

Norths chief executive Tony Mathews thanked Twin Towns for its professionalism during the talks and said the long-standing relationship between Norths and Seagulls would continue.

“Norths has decided to cease further discussions regarding de-amalgamating Seagulls,” Mathews said.

“Seagulls shall remain an important part of the Norths group of clubs.”

Mathews said Norths would instead focus on upgrading the Seagulls site over the coming year.

“Our priorities in 2026 will be to address the car park, lot two deck and garden area, as well as other improvements within the club,” he said.

The decision follows the closure of The Bowlo in Bangalow in October, which Norths attributed to the condition of the clubhouse, ongoing financial losses and a poor trading outlook.

Norths also operates venues including The Greens North Sydney, The Verandah Beecroft and Norths Cammeray.