$10.7m Refurbishment Approved for Dee Why RSL Club

Dee Why RSL Club has received planning approval for a $10.7 million refurbishment to expand dining and gaming facilities in Dee Why.



Background on Previous Works

Dee Why RSL Club previously completed a major $100 million redevelopment in 2021, which delivered a six-level car park, new entertainment areas, multiple eateries, and a redesigned foyer and sports bar. Four years on, the club has sought further upgrades to meet continued growth in demand from members and guests.

Dee Why RSL Club
Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

New Dining, Gaming, and Layout Enhancements

The approved $10.7 million development will add a 140-seat a la carte Asian-style restaurant and a relocated café. The bistro will also be expanded, and the existing outdoor area on level two will be enclosed to increase usable space. These changes will raise the club’s floor area from 15,208 to 15,827 square metres, with most additions located on level two.

Internally, the gaming area will be consolidated into a single space. While the area will expand in size, the number of machines will not increase. Machines will be spaced one metre apart in response to post-pandemic preferences for greater distance between users.

Additional works include building a new communications room and adjusting internal layout to enhance functionality.

External Upgrades and Access Improvements

A key element of the plan is the relocation of the main entrance on Pittwater Road to a more central position, nearer a public bus stop. External upgrades will feature a new façade using curved aluminium panels, stone detailing, screening, and wall cladding, designed to create a visual landmark at the northern end of Dee Why Town Centre. Other outdoor works include new stairs, ramps, a roof structure, skylight, and landscaping.

Dee Why upgrade
Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

Focus Shift and Community Intent

The club confirmed that a previously considered childcare centre is no longer part of its development strategy. Instead, it has focused solely on enhancing the club’s core offerings. The stated aim of the project is to address growing usage demands and improve service capacity for its 77,000 members and the broader community.

Next Steps



With planning consent granted, the project will proceed to construction. Club documents state that the refurbishment is expected to create additional job opportunities and enhance operations. The upgrades are intended to meet growing usage demands and maintain the venue’s role as a local meeting place in Dee Why.

Published 22-July-2025

Dee Why RSL Club Plans $10.7-Million Upgrade

Dee Why RSL Club, a popular northern beaches venue, will undergo a $10.7 million refurbishment to expand its facilities and better serve its 77,000 members and the local community.



Expansion and Dining Improvements

Dee Why RSL Club
Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

The club’s management has submitted plans to the Northern Beaches Council outlining significant alterations and additions to the existing building. These plans include constructing a new 140-seat Asian-style restaurant to meet the growing demand for diverse dining options. 

The project also aims to increase the club’s overall floor space from 15,208 square metres to 15,827 square metres, with the majority of this expansion occurring on level two.

Gaming Area and Internal Changes

Dee Why RSL Club
Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

A key focus of the refurbishment is the reconfiguration of the gaming area. The club intends to increase the spacing between poker machines, responding to member feedback regarding social distancing preferences following the COVID-19 pandemic. It was stated that the number of machines would not increase. 

Further internal modifications include relocating the cafe, expanding the bistro, and enclosing an existing outdoor area on level two, adding to the usable space. A new communications room will also be built.

External Facade and Entrance Changes

Dee Why RSL Club
Photo Credit: DA2025/0139

The exterior of the Dee Why RSL Club is set for a significant transformation. The plans detail a facade upgrade featuring decorative screening and wall cladding, intended to create an architectural statement at the northern end of Dee Why Town Centre. 

The Pittwater Road entrance will be relocated to a more central position, closer to a bus stop, improving accessibility for members and visitors. New awnings, stairs, ramps, a roof, and a skylight are included in the external works, alongside new plantings.



Rationale for the Upgrades

The club’s management has stated that the upgrades are necessary to address the increasing demand from its large membership base and the general public. They aim to improve operational efficiency and ensure the club remains a vital community hub. 

The development would allow for better economic use of the land. The club’s representatives have clarified that a previously proposed childcare centre is no longer part of the development plans, with the focus now solely on enhancing the club’s existing facilities.

Published Date 25-March-2025