Council moves to help save The Bowlo

BYRON Shire Council is preparing a report on Bangalow bowling club’s heritage significance, in a move that could help protect it from developers.

Bangalow-based Councillor Asren Pugh, who requested the report, said The Bowlo was built in 1910 and holds both cultural and social significance.

The move follows the sudden closure of the much-loved club by Norths Collective on October 24, citing the poor condition of the clubhouse, ongoing financial losses and an unsustainable trading outlook.

The Sydney-based conglomerate is now exploring options to sell the asset.

The upcoming report will outline the current land use zoning, the range of permitted uses, and include an assessment of its heritage significance to guide discussions about the future of The Bowlo site.

Cr Pugh said the Council was showing strong support for the initiative, with the motion carried unanimously.

“When I put the motion in, staff even jumped the gun and started the process, so they’re pretty keen to support us,” he said.

 

The Bowlo has been a hub for family-friendly social gatherings, entertainment, community events, and fundraisers for decades.

Cr Pugh said that it is also the major sponsor of all local Bangalow sporting teams and has hosted many notable and emerging Australian bands, including INXS. Members of the Bangalow community recently gathered at Moller Pavilion in the Bangalow Showground to discuss ways to reclaim the club, with members of a new advisory committee set to be announced soon.

The venue had been struggling financially following the COVID-19 lockdowns and the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods. The board opted to merge with Norths Collective, which operates venues including The Greens North Sydney, The Verandah Beecroft and Seagulls at Tweed Heads, which is also facing amalgamation. 

At the time, Norths pledged to invest at least $3.5 million over ten years, with plans for new pergolas, an events space and improved parking.

But the merger faced opposition from a local group, which feared the takeover could lead to more poker machines or a future sell-off to developers. Despite their campaign, members ultimately voted 289 to 182 in favour of the amalgamation.

The community previously raised several hundred thousand dollars in 2012 when the club closed its doors due to insolvency and reopened four months later.