A MAJOR expansion of the Russell Island Bowls Club has been pitched to create a bigger community hub for the island, with plans for a larger clubhouse, cafe, dining area, alfresco space and sensory garden.
Planning documents lodged with Redland City Council show the proposal at 37-71 Jackson Rd seeks approval for a Material Change of Use for a club and outdoor sport and recreation extension over part of Council-owned land.
Prepared by JFP Urban Consultants on behalf of Russell Island Bowls Club Inc, the December 2025 planning report says the redevelopment would add 705 square metres of gross floor area to the existing facility.
The proposal includes an extended clubhouse, 40 car parks, a cafe, dining space, community hub, alfresco area and a new sensory garden.
Planning documents state the development is intended to remain tied to the existing bowls club use, while also broadening its role as a venue for the wider community.
“The intent is for the proposed redevelopment to accommodate and service larger groups and provides the opportunity to hold larger events and functions servicing the local community,” the report states.
“We note that the island does not currently have a venue like this to cater for large groups and events.”
The application has been lodged as impact assessable development, meaning it requires public notification and can be assessed against the full planning scheme as well as public submissions.
The report says the site covers about 12,200 square metres and sits within the recreation and open space zone, although other parts of the broader landholding are affected by conservation and community facilities zoning.
The bowls club land is surrounded by a mix of uses including homes, parkland, an op shop, BMX park, church, museum, rural fire brigade and aged care.
Consultants argue the redevelopment is a logical fit for the site and would support a long-standing community use while improving facilities for locals.
“The proposal will provide additional outdoor sports and recreation facilities to serve the community of Russell Island,” the report states.
The applicant says the redevelopment has been designed to maintain vehicle access from Jackson Rd through two existing driveways, improve the streetscape and provide full accessibility through a proposed elevator.
The planning report also confirms the club will continue to rely on on-site wastewater treatment, with upgrades to be addressed at the detailed design stage.
The proposal follows earlier Council advice that the scale of the development appeared to go beyond a simple ancillary bowls use, prompting the applicant to formally seek approval for both “club” and “outdoor sport and recreation” uses.
Public notification is required for the application, with residents able to make submissions to Redland City Council as part of the assessment process.
