Stafford Bowls Club Reborn As The Gibson

Rohrig is thrilled to have been involved in the rejuvenation of the former Stafford Bowls Club, transforming the venue into a vibrant community club that pays homage to the surrounding Gibson Park precinct in Stafford.

Renamed and reborn as ‘The Gibson’, this exciting community club blends outdoor living with modern, family-focused dining and entertainment in a stunning park-like setting.

Brisbane Racing Club acquired the venue, after it had been siting dormant since 2016. Whilst the existing building was overhauled, its heritage was maintained as we breathed new life into the venue with an updated kitchen, dining area, sports bar, bowling green and landscaped outdoor area.

It was important to the client that the venue formed a natural extension of the existing Gibson Park precinct, opting for landscaping that complemented the area and offered an outdoor club experience for locals to enjoy.

KP Architects designed the new venue, carefully incorporating the existing portal frame structure while adding modern features like a like cewood panel ceiling, inviting bistro and expansive outdoor entertainment area.

“Our design strategy focused on utilising the existing footprint but rearranging the club spaces to create an elevated experience for the customer that still draws on the club’s history and the humble architecture of a Bowls Club,” said KP Architects Director, Kon Panagopoulos.

“This included converting one of the greens into an inviting park setting that features a sculptural circular brick planter with a poinciana tree as the centrepiece. Picnic-style seating surrounds the tree, allowing customers to enjoy this outdoor oasis after a game of bowls with friends and family.”

With the aim of maintaining the existing structure, we used 3D scanning to integrate structural steel into the building without detracting from its charm.

We also constructed a full life-size mockup and facilitated an augmented reality walk-through, allowing the client to see and experience the design as it was built.

“The bowls club had been untouched for quite a few years and it was in dire need of a makeover. It was important for the client to rejuvenate such an invaluable hub for the community.” Rohrig Construction Manager, Matthew Tucker said.

“We were involved very early on, so this meant we were able to help with the cost planning and design development of the site to take the rundown club and transform it into The Gibson without any hiccups.”

“Bringing this once-loved local venue back to life for future generations to enjoy was a real privilege.”

We love breathing new life into old pubs, clubs and hotels, and The Gibson is just one of many Rohrig success stories. We can’t wait to see this community club thrive into the future.