Management at Wingham Services Club has proactively taken advantage of COVID-19 restrictions to fast track planned renovations.
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Not yet a year into the job, secretary manager Dean McCarthy is bringing the club up to date with a fresh new look.
"No disrespect to anyone, but it was just a bit tired looking and needed a bit of a revamp," Dean said.
"We were slowly moving towards what we wanted to do, but then when lockdown occurred we thought it was a good opportunity to bring it forward, because we didn't know how long we were going to be closed."
Renovations are taking place in three stages in what is an overall five year plan. Stage one is set to be completed by July 22, 2020.
Stage one consists of moving gaming machines to one area at the back of the club on the first floor and taking advantage of the extra space for a larger dining area. A cafe area will be added, as well as a new kid's play area, with the bar being condensed to allow for more room and increased efficiency for staff.
A bigger kitchen is being created on the first floor meaning staff will no longer have to prepare food downstairs in the old restaurant kitchen on the bottom floor and bring it up to the dining area. The kitchen will be an open design, allowing clientele to watch the chefs at work. Al fresco dining will be available on the front balcony.
While social distancing is still in place, gaming machines are placed the required distance apart. Stage two of renovations will see more machines placed into the gaming area, while still maintaining a good distance.
Stage three is some time in the future and will require extensive work on the outside of the back of the club. An outdoor gaming area is planned on a deck to one side, while an outdoor drinking area for smokers will be on the other.
Dean contracted Sydney design company Split Watermelon Design, considered to be a "premium company in club land," Dean said, to create the design. A mood board and plans are on display in the foyer of the Club.
Inspiration for the design was taken from local landscape with natural textures and greenery being showcased. The dining, bar and gaming areas are split into zones and have their own unique looks.
Local contractors are being used to complete the work, apart from the bar, which is being constructed by a Coffs Harbour firm. Painting has been done by board members and staff.
A bank loan of $400,000 was secured for stage one of renovations.
"We can more than service that," Dean said. "As soon as finances allow we'll push ahead with stage two."
How soon stage three will begin will depend on how well the Club trades.