East Cessnock Bowling Club Unveils Stunning Renovation at Packed-Out Launch Event

After promoting the event on local community radio station 2CHR, Secretary Manager Steven Fairfull was amazed by the turnout at the launch. He says it was beyond expectations, and his team was “blown away” by the response. 

“We had to bring 15 more tables up from the storeroom just to seat everyone,” Steven says. 

“The feedback has been incredible, people can’t believe how much the Club has changed.” 

The project was born from a simple question — how could the Club make better use of its existing footprint? The downstairs three-rink indoor green had seen declining use, with most bowlers preferring the championship green out the back or the covered outdoor green. 

“We looked at that space and realised we could create something much more valuable for members,” Steven says. “By reconfiguring the Club’s layout, we’ve made the auditorium the heart of the venue.” 

The renovations were extensive. The bar was relocated closer to the auditorium to improve access and flow between the dining room and the main entertainment area. The former stage area was reimagined as a raised seating zone, creating an inviting space where members can relax before and after shows.

One of the biggest changes was at the rear of the Club, where a previously solid brick wall was opened up and replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows.

“Natural light just floods in now,” Steven says. 

“We kept the high ceilings and gave everything a fresh, industrial look by spraying the exposed air lines. It feels so much brighter and more open – the whole Club feels different when you walk through the door.”

Outside, the deck overlooking the bowling greens was completely stripped back and rebuilt after years of wear.

“The original deck wasn’t built with the right materials, so we had to replace the top completely – that alone cost about $30,000,” Steven says. 

“But it was worth it. The deck is now one of the best spots in town to sit, relax and watch a game of bowls.”

Despite the scale of the works, the project moved relatively quickly and smoothly, taking just 11 months from start to finish. Steven says the ability to build the new bar within the auditorium space meant there was minimal disruption to members during construction.

“The only real hiccup was when the builders kept finding extra concrete slabs underground,” he explains. 

“At one point they had to pump water out because of the rising water table after heavy rain. Once that was solved, it all came together.”

The launch event was designed to do more than just show off the new facilities – it was an opportunity to re-engage with the local community.

“There are still people in town who don’t know we’re here,” Steven says. 

“We wanted to make some noise, get people back through the doors, and remind everyone that ECBC Sports is here for the whole community.”

The Club is already using its new spaces creatively. On Mondays, the undercover green hosts walk soccer, a growing low-impact version of the game designed for players over 50.

“Bowls probably does more damage to the carpet than walk soccer does,” Fairfull jokes of the increasingly popular sport. 

“It’s all about encouraging fitness and social activity for people who might be slowing down a bit.”

Looking ahead, the Club is also focused on expanding its marketing efforts to let more people know what’s on offer.

“We’ve invested in digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram and our website to keep members updated,” Steven says. 

“We’ve got something for everyone now – whether you’re coming for a meal, a show, a game of bowls, or just a quiet drink on the deck.”

The renovations will set ECBC Sports up for the next generation.

“This project has made the Club feel modern, open and welcoming,” Steven says.

“The feedback so far has been amazing – we’re really proud of what we’ve created.”