One of Tamworth’s most recognisable venues is undergoing a major transformation, with a multi-stage redevelopment set to deliver a completely refreshed experience for members, guests and visitors.
The extensive renovation of West Tamworth League Club is part of a broader masterplan by Wests Entertainment Group, which has already seen significant investment across its venues and will ultimately include upgrades to the club, entertainment spaces and accommodation facilities.
Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly said the project was driven by the need to modernise a venue that had served the community for decades.
“The last time West Tamworth League Club saw a refurbishment was 1994, and it showed,” he said.
“What used to be a state-of-the-art facility in the 90s and early 00s really began to show its age, so it was only right that we decided to renovate the venue and give our members and guests a club that they can truly be proud of.”
Unlike many redevelopment projects, Wests has remained open throughout construction, requiring staff to find creative ways to continue serving members while major works take place.
“It would have been easy to close the main part of the club and operate the bottle shop and gaming floor only during this period,” Donnelly said.
“But it was really important for us to continue regular club activities for our members throughout the renovations.”
With popular areas including Legends Bar and Lounge, Banjos Bistro and Nero’s Café all falling within the redevelopment zone, operations have temporarily relocated into Blazes Showroom.
“We packed everything up and moved into Blazes Showroom,” he said.
“Bar, restaurant, café, raffles, bingo, Friday Night Footy and live entertainment all operate out of Blazes Showroom during this period – by far being our biggest challenge operationally.”
The redevelopment is being delivered in four stages, with the first phase already completed.
Stage one included upgrades to the gaming floor, outdoor gaming areas, reception, bottle shop, administration spaces and the building’s façade.
“The method to the stages is set around allowing us to continue to operate throughout the project, so it was imperative we got these areas right first before moving further into the venue for stage two,” Donnelly said.
Once completed, the centrepiece of the redevelopment will be a completely reimagined Legends Bar and Lounge.
“The all-new Legends Bar is going to be the centrepiece of the newly renovated space,” Donnelly said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing it finished.”
Another major feature will be the return of a familiar dining name, with Smoky’s Bar & Grill relocating from Wests Diggers to a new home within Wests.
“This restaurant once was a favourite amongst the Tamworth community and I’m very excited to see it take on its second life at Wests,” he said.
The club’s dining offering is also being expanded, with Banjos Restaurant set to become Harvest Bistro, operated by Porterhouse Group, while the café will receive a complete redesign.
“This will allow our members and guests to have plenty of food options during their visit,” Donnelly said.
“Food service is a major part of our company and it is an exciting prospect to be able to deliver these new spaces.”
While the venue is changing significantly, Donnelly said preserving the club’s identity remained a priority.
“Wests has a long history in the Tamworth community and a strong membership base of 24,000 people,” he said.
“We did extensive research and employed Paynter Dixon to manage the project, leaning on their decades of experience in the club redevelopment space.”
“They certainly understand our vision for the club and they’re well equipped to deliver a new and improved version of Wests that will still feel like home to our members.”
The redevelopment also reflects changing expectations among patrons seeking modern hospitality and entertainment experiences.
“Wests strives to be the leading hospitality and entertainment venue in the area,” Donnelly said.
“While trends, music genres, club activities and bar and dining options have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t – people wanting a nice, safe, clean, fun venue to spend their time in making memories with their friends and families.”
The investment is also expected to strengthen Tamworth’s tourism appeal, particularly during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“The Tamworth Country Music Festival is the heart of the Wests Entertainment Group,” Donnelly said.
“We have over 100 gigs at our venues during the Festival, over 10,000 people walk through our doors, and the Mercure is fully booked out months in advance.”
Operating both the club and the adjoining Mercure Hotel means attracting visitors remains a key focus.
“We are heavily motivated to ensure Tamworth is a destination of choice, and not just in January, but year round – and we are hoping the club renovations will bring more tourists to Tamworth.”
The current works represent just part of a larger vision.
“This will be stage two of a four-stage master plan,” Donnelly said.
“Stages three and four will see the refurbishment of Blazes Showroom and an extension made to The Mercure Hotel adding approximately 30 rooms to the current 52-room property.”
“We are approximately $35 million into this project, so that just shows how confident we are in our product, and how much we are invested into the Tamworth community.”
For those who have not visited the venue in recent years, Donnelly believes the changes will speak for themselves.
“You really won’t be able to believe the changes we have been able to make to our club unless you see it for yourself,” he said.
“Save the date, this November we will be reopening our brand new venue and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy their new club.”
And when the doors reopen on the transformed venue later this year, Donnelly expects one area in particular will leave a lasting impression.
“We really look forward to seeing our members and guests when they first walk down the hallway into the new Legends Lounge space,” he said.
“The new area really will be a showstopper and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”