A staged redevelopment and new build project constructed within a live venue.
On Saturday 28th February 2026, Nerang RSL on the Gold Coast officially unveiled the final stage of their $26 million redevelopment, completed by the SHAPE Queensland team. The ambitious transformation and new build works were delivered across multiple stages while the Club remained fully operational. The project modernised and expanded the venue to better serve members, veterans and the wider community well into the future.
The official opening was attended by The Honourable David Crisafulli MP, RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM, alongside Board and Sub Branch members, invited guests and community representatives. A community‑wide celebration followed on Sunday 1st March, welcoming members and locals to experience the revitalised Club as it opened its doors to the broader public.
The redevelopment expanded the Club by more than 7,500 square metres, positioning Nerang RSL as one of the largest conference and event facilities on the Gold Coast and significantly enhancing its capacity to host community, corporate and commemorative events. Delivered by a predominantly local workforce, the project engaged more than 1,300 tradespeople across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Throughout construction, the Club continued its strong community support across the region, assisting more than 60 community groups and reinvesting over $364,000 back into the community in 2025 alone.
The transformation enhanced the member and community experience through a significantly expanded gaming precinct, new and upgraded function and event spaces, improved amenities, and major upgrades to parking and accessibility. A new extension also connects seamlessly with the existing building, allowing easy movement between old and new spaces while preserving the Club’s character.
The SHAPE team delivered more than 200 additional parking spaces via a new on‑site multi‑level car park, which also incorporates new administration offices and a Nerang RSL Sub Branch Veteran Hub, providing enhanced welfare and support services to veterans and strengthening education and awareness within the local community.
Inside the Club, the team revitalised the foyer with striking wall‑to‑ceiling digital screens, including a custom curved installation. Extensive civil and services infrastructure upgrades were completed to ensure the venue is supported by reliable systems for long‑term operation.
Delivering the project within a live operating environment required close, daily collaboration with Nerang RSL leadership, staff and patrons. The team carefully staged works to maintain maximum car park availability and minimise disruption. SHAPE cadets participated in weekly update videos for the Club’s social media, and the site team hosted weekly open drop‑in sessions to keep members informed throughout construction.
The team successfully managed project complexities through adaptive planning and value engineering, helping to optimise time and cost outcomes. Innovation and sustainability were key priorities, with safer construction methods, material efficiency and reduced waste achieved through initiatives such as a scaffold loading dock system for the car park, environmentally friendly waterproofing products, safer pile cropping techniques, and a mini paver system for low‑clearance asphalt works. The team also overcame significant weather challenges, with more than 100 days lost to heavy rain and a tropical system.
Paul Barnett, Regional Manager Gold Coast at SHAPE, said, “Delivering a redevelopment of this scale within a live venue required careful staging, strong collaboration and a team focused on minimising disruption for members and staff.
We’re proud to have partnered with Nerang RSL and the project team to deliver a modern, expanded facility that will support veterans, members and the wider Gold Coast community for many years to come.”
David Wood, General Manager of SHAPE Australia (QLD), said, “This project is a landmark that the members and the community can be proud of.”
With expanded facilities and improved accessibility, the redeveloped Club is well positioned to support future growth in community events, veteran services and member engagement, delivering a modern, welcoming hub for the Gold Coast community for years to come.
Thanks to project partners and consultants for their contribution to this successful outcome, including Nerang RSL, EMF Griffiths, Cozens Regan Group and MMG Landscaping.
Ready to enhance your club’s offering? Learn more about SHAPE’s capabilities and how we can transform your space with minimal downtime.
