Griffith Exies Completes Major Transformation

Although they were ready to initiate the project by 2020, the unexpected arrival of COVID-19 brought an unintended pause. 

While it was a time of great uncertainty, Exies saw it as a time for reflection and refinement. 

Initially, the plans were ambitious, aiming to maximise every available space with multiple elements, tightly packed into designated zones. Amid the pandemic, they began reconsidering the arrangement. 

A realisation struck: a more strategic and spacious layout would significantly enhance accessibility and usability.

“It was definitely a blessing,” Exies General Manager Garry Tucker says of the pandemic shutdown, which allowed them to make greater plans for the Club. 

“We would have spent all that money on doing what we already had, just new furniture and shift things around a little bit, but everything was still crammed up. 

“When COVID hit, it changed the whole way of thinking about how we've got to space things out. So basically, half our Club was a function room, a 500 seat auditorium that wasn't used for three years through COVID pretty much. 

“The whole idea was to make that space more usable. We created spaces for all to enjoy within different settings and our alfresco areas were moved out the front to where the bar and food is.”

With this new vision, they invited ABEO Architects from Sydney to guide their ambitious project and help bring the ideas to life. The renovation unfolded in four carefully planned stages, over an intensive 18-month period.

Each stage was designed to take four to five months, with the intention of modernising the club while minimising interruptions to daily operations. 
 

Stage one was the bistro, retaining its original location but relocating the administration offices to the back reception area. Upgrades were made to the rear entry to improve accessibility. 

Stage two was a significant shift, as the gaming area relocated to a new section where members could enjoy a refreshing and purpose-built gaming space with a redesigned layout and featuring a modern twist. 

“We moved the (gaming area) in two days,” Garry says. “We moved the whole gaming room from the middle of the Club out to the back. The auditorium space pretty much gave us … plenty of space between the banks so you aren't crammed up.”

Stage three was a revamp of all lounge zones and the main bar while the final touch in stage four came with a transformation of the front reception area. The newly designed entrance now welcomes members and guests in a much more modern décor.

Despite these extensive works, Griffith Exies successfully maintained operations throughout the entire duration of the renovation. It allowed members to continue enjoying all that the Club offers with minimal disruptions. 

“At the time, well, it was fairly stressful,” Gary says.

“But to pull it off was pretty amazing, really. The architect promised that we'd triple trade and we said there's absolutely no way that'll happen. It’s Griffith. It is just not a huge place. But it's gone beyond that.

“So for us, it's pretty special.”