Club Engadine RSL set for major redevelopment after adjoining property owner finally agreed to sell

However, the owner Doug Jamison, a prominent identity in the town, wouldn't sell.

Even when he sold his pharmacy business in 2003, and the shop was later occupied by a health foods business and then lay vacant for three years, Mr Jamison hung on to the property, and the answer was always 'No'.

Gary Eggert, president of what is now called Club Engadine RSL, said Mr Jamison had no beef with the club.

"Doug just thought it was good real estate and wanted to keep it in the family," Mr Eggert said.

But recently, Mr Jamison, who is now 98, finally said "yes" - allowing the club to embark on a major redevelopment.

The frontage of the premises on Old Princes Highway will increase by a third and, subject to development consent, the buildings will be extended upwards by one and two storeys, making three storeys across the combined sites.

Mr Eggert said the club purchased the property for $2.225 million with cash and a bank loan.

"Full scale planning is underway to develop an action plan for next steps," he said.

"Given the costs of development will be significant, in the range of $5-7 million, any development will be staged with least disruption to club operations."

The "wish list" drawn up by the club board and management includes:

Mr Eggert said the first stage would be to use the former shop for snooker and darts and, subject to DA and licensing consent, open a beer garden at the rear.

"While our overall plans are ambitious, our members - totalling almost 10,000 - deserve a bigger, brighter and better club given their tremendous support over recent years, particularly during COVID-19," he said.