Soldiers Point Bowling Club Delivers Next Seniors Living Stage
Soldiers Point Bowling Club is celebrating the long-awaited completion of Stage Two of its Greenside Seniors Living development – a transformative project more than two decades in the making and one that is now providing much-needed housing options for retirees across the Port Stephens region.
The Greenside journey began in 2004, when Soldiers Point Bowling Club first explored how to utilise surplus land behind the venue.
After years of planning challenges, a development application for seniors living was finally approved in 2014. Stage One, featuring 26 high-quality apartments, was completed in 2016.
Construction on Stage Two commenced in 2022 but was paused in May 2024 after the original builder went into liquidation. Fortunately, SNL Constructions took over later that year, allowing Stage Two to be completed and residents to move into their new homes on 13 November 2025.
General Manager Simon Lack, who has been with the Club for 22 years and has overseen the project’s evolution, says the development arrives at a crucial time for the community.
“With the shortage of residential living in the area, these 52 apartments help meet a real community need,” says Simon.
“Retirement living like this gives people a lower-priced option to stay in the area they love. You buy less, put some money in the bank and enjoy yourself more – with no maintenance required.”
Simon says one of the Club’s motivations for pursuing the development was to diversify its revenue and strengthen its long-term sustainability.
“Back in 2004, we had surplus land and were looking for alternatives to traditional club revenue. Retirement living offered a sustainable option, and we’re extremely proud of what’s been achieved,” he says.
The completion of Stage Two is particularly meaningful given the hurdles faced along the way.
“It’s been a long haul – three years for some residents, even five for others,” Simon says.
“When the builder went bankrupt it created real uncertainty, but everyone stuck it out and they’re thrilled to be in their new homes in time for Christmas.”
The strong connection between the development and the Club has already come to life.
“Ninety-five per cent of residents use the club in some way – raffles, bowls, bingo or social activities,” he says.
“Many were already members, and those who weren’t have joined. That sense of community is exactly what Greenside was designed to support.”
Looking ahead, Stage Three will deliver another 36 apartments, bringing the total to 88 seniors living units once complete.
“This region is booming with retirement living options, and we’re proud to help meet that need,” Simon says.
“Greenside offers people a secure, modern and community-connected place to call home.”
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