Narrabeen RSL, or ‘The Razza’, as it was affectionately known by locals, is officially up for sale, after efforts to save it failed.
As first reported by the Manly Observer in March 2022, the Narrabeen RSL Memorial and Recreational Club shut its doors in February of that year after entering voluntary administration.
Allniters at Narrabeen RSL with vocalist Sara O’Connor, before the closure. Photo: Alec Smart
Fast forward to this month and Savills Australia has announced that the Club and its 1.884 hectare property at 116 Nareen Parade, North Narrabeen, is officially offered for sale via Expressions of Interest, closing Thursday 15 August 2024 at 4pm. Offers upwards of $15 million are expected.
A cornerstone of the Beaches community since 1947, Narrabeen RSL was a ‘go to’ venue for family meals. It was a meeting place for sporting clubs of all stripes and colour where team mates would gather to celebrate wins and commiserate after losses.
Manly Sea Eagles fans had been congregating at the Club since the 1970s to cheer on their team as Manly games were shown on the big screen TV.
The Club was also one of the few renowned Live Music venues on the Beaches. At one stage a home for the Northern Beaches Music Festival, major Aussie acts including You Am I, Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil) & The Family Dog, Frenzal Rhomb, Shannon Noll and The Allniters have graced its stage.
Internationals like Jeff Martin (former frontman of The Tea Party) and hugely popular all Māori Kiwi roots reggae band, Katchafire, included the venue on their tours. And the Club also supported local emerging talent such as Dear Seattle, Green Mohair Suits and Sons of the East.
Club Management explained back in 2022 that Covid had sown the seeds of its demise, saying: “An ongoing pandemic with restrictions on singing and dancing, minimal government support as well as difficult landlord and rent negotiations, have forced us to make this decision.”
A statement issued by the Club’s landlord, Narrabeen RSL Sub-Branch, at that time stated: “Narrabeen RSL has stood in this valley supporting and serving its community for over 65 years. It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of something that spans generations and captures the essence of both the past and future of Narrabeen.”
Bagpiper Mark Broadhead at a Nov 2016 Homes For Heroes benefit for returned service personnel at Narrabeen RSL Club. Photo: Alec Smart
From the Save Narrabeen RSL Facebook Group circa 2022
Robert Adams posted: “I came to Australia in June 1980 and joined the Razza a month later. It was definitely the best and friendliest club on the peninsula if not the entire Northern Beaches. Nothing came close to the Narrabeen RSL.”
Barbara Matterson posted: “I moved to the area in1 960 as a young bride who didn’t know anyone. This family club gave me a social connection. It was a pleasure to visit.”
And Simon Mitchell posted: “The Razza is exactly what our community needs. There’s a big hole that has not been filled since it closed.”
Two years on, that hole has been closed over for good.
The property on this prime location behind Warriewood Square Shopping Centre and Narrabeen Lagoon comprises a three-storey L-shaped building with a total lettable area of 1,842sqm. There are three lawn bowling greens, multiple lounge rooms, an auditorium, dining areas, office spaces, storerooms, function rooms and 39 car parking spaces.
Savills Australia and New Zealand state director, Tim Grosmann, believes the site has potential to be transformed into various opportunities, whether that’s residential, commercial, or community orientated.
“Developers can capitalise on this opportunity with a wide range of potential options for the site, including healthcare facilities, childcare centres, community amenities and residential land subdivisions,” he said.
Any buyers would likely seek its rezoning from C4 (environmental living) to something more development-friendly.
Sam Handy, a director of HTL Property, has been quoted as saying: “The Northern Beaches pub market is incredibly strong, which has attracted the likes of leading operators such as Justin Hemmes, Fraser Short and ALH. Narrabeen RSL provides a virtual blank canvas for an incoming operator to activate a more relevant and compelling F&B proposition and a completely differentiated offering across multiple levels, including extensive outdoor areas and use of the bowling greens.”
However Savills is also pitching to investors that the “site is perfect for developing senior housing, addressing the limited availability in North Narrabeen and meeting the needs of the aging population, making it a profitable and socially beneficial investment.”
116 Nareen Parade, North Narrabeen is being offered for sale via Expressions of Interest, closing Thursday 15 August at 4pm. Offers upwards of 15 million are expected.
This is the first time the site of the Narrabeen RSL club has been offered to market in over 75 years.
