Coorparoo Bowls Club Secures Future After Sale to Griffin Hospitality
The century‑old Coorparoo Bowls Club will continue to operate after Bowls Queensland sold the venue to Griffin Hospitality. The new owners will maintain the club’s two greens, renovate the clubhouse, and keep the venue as a family‑friendly food and drink spot while preserving its bowling heritage.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Coorparoo Bowls Club, a beloved local institution for over a hundred years, has secured its future after Bowls Queensland sold the property to Griffin Hospitality. The hospitality group, known for running the popular Officer’s Mess in New Farm, announced plans to keep both bowling greens operational and to refurbish the clubhouse into a modern yet family‑friendly venue.
What Happened
On September 21, 2026, Bowls Queensland confirmed the sale of the Coorparoo Bowls Club to Griffin Hospitality. The transaction ensures the club’s two greens remain in use: one will be maintained in pristine condition for competitive play, while the other will serve community bowls. The new owners will also run the club’s restaurant, bar, and kitchen, providing a stable, multi‑year lease for the bowling community.
Background and Context
The Coorparoo Bowls Club has been a fixture in Brisbane’s sporting landscape since the early 1900s. Located near Coorparoo train station and bordered by apartment buildings, the venue has faced financial pressures for years. Bowls Queensland, the governing body for the sport, had identified the club as a money‑losing asset and explored various options, including potential development by external parties.
Community members and club members launched a sustained campaign to “save” the club, arguing that its heritage and social value outweighed short‑term financial concerns. Bowls Queensland’s chief executive, Dylan Fletcher, emphasized the need to balance the interests of the 27,000 Bowls Queensland members with the local bowling community’s future.
Griffin Hospitality’s acquisition marks a shift from a purely sporting focus to a hybrid model that blends hospitality with sport. The group pledged to renovate the clubhouse, preserve the club’s character, and inject professional hospitality expertise to attract new patrons and bowlers.
Key Commitments from Griffin Hospitality
Griffin Hospitality outlined several key commitments:
- Maintain both bowling greens, with one reserved for competitive play and the other for community use.
- Refurbish the clubhouse, bar, and kitchen to modern standards while retaining the venue’s historic charm.
- Operate the restaurant and bar under a multi‑year lease, ensuring financial stability for the club.
- Preserve the family‑friendly atmosphere and community identity that have defined the club for decades.
- Invest in professional hospitality management to attract a broader demographic and support the club’s long‑term viability.
Reactions from the Club and Community
Mark Delbridge, chair of the Coorparoo Bowls Club, expressed optimism about the new partnership. He highlighted the importance of the refurbishment and the secure lease, stating that these factors give members confidence to focus on playing bowls and attracting new participants.
Club members and local residents welcomed the decision, relieved that the club would not be sold to a developer or closed entirely. The move is seen as a win for community sport, preserving a social hub that has hosted countless local events and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
What Happens Next
Griffin Hospitality will begin the renovation process immediately, with an expected timeline of 12 to 18 months to complete the refurbishment. During this period, the club will continue to operate as usual, with minimal disruption to bowlers and members.
Bowls Queensland will maintain oversight to ensure the club’s sporting integrity remains intact. The club’s future will also be monitored to assess the impact of the hospitality partnership on membership growth and community engagement.
While the sale resolves immediate financial concerns, questions remain about the long‑term balance between hospitality revenue and the club’s sporting mission. Stakeholders will need to collaborate closely to ensure that the club’s identity is preserved while embracing modern business practices.
Key facts
- Coorparoo Bowls Club sold to Griffin Hospitality
- Both bowling greens will remain operational
- Clubhouse renovation and multi‑year lease secured
- Community campaign succeeded in preventing developer sale
- Griffin Hospitality to run food and drink services
- Future focus on balancing hospitality with sporting heritage
Why it matters
The deal preserves a historic sporting venue while injecting fresh investment and professional management, ensuring the club’s continued role as a community hub and sporting facility.
Frequently asked questions
Will the bowling greens be affected by the sale?
No, both greens will remain open—one for competition and one for community bowls.
What changes will Griffin Hospitality make to the clubhouse?
They plan to refurbish the clubhouse, bar, and kitchen while preserving its historic character.
Will the club still be run by Bowls Queensland?
Bowls Queensland will oversee sporting aspects, but Griffin Hospitality will manage hospitality operations.
How will the new partnership benefit members?
It provides financial stability, improved facilities, and a family‑friendly environment to attract new members.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Coorparoo Bowls Club future: Bowls Queensland sells site to hospitality group with greens to remain open”
