Coorparoo Bowlo given new life, bought by hospitality group

September 21, 2026 — 12:49pmThe Coorparoo Bowling Club will live to see another day, after the struggling but well-loved venue was sold to a hospitality group.Bowls Queensland has sold the club to Griffin Hospitality, best known for running Officer’s Mess in New Farm, who said they will keep the club operating as both a food and drink venue and a bowling club.Both greens will remain for bowling, with one to be kept in pristine condition for competition, and the other used for community bowls.The club has operated on the site for more than 100 years. Save Coorparoo Bowls ClubThe club had been the subject of a consistent community campaign to “save” it, while Bowls Queensland considered their options for what they said was a money-losing asset.“We have spent considerable time exploring the future of this site and assessing a range of options. Our responsibility has been to balance the interests of the Coorparoo bowling community with our responsibility to the 27,000 members,” Bowls Queensland chief executive Fletcher Dylan said.There had been fears the site would be sold to developers, with the club already neighbouring apartment buildings on two sides and located close to Coorparoo train station.Will Griffin said Griffin Hospitality intended to renovate the club and keep the family-friendly atmosphere.“This is about renewal, not losing the character of Coorparoo Bowls Club. We want to preserve its sense of community and its unique identity, while giving it the investment, energy and professional hospitality focus it needs to thrive for the next generation,” he said.Under the plan, Griffin will take over running the restaurant, while the club remains home to the Coorparoo bowlers.“The commitment to refurbish the clubhouse, bar and kitchen, combined with the security of a multiple-year lease, gives our club the stability and confidence we need to move forward,” Coorparoo Bowls Club chair Mark Delbridge said.“It means our members can concentrate on playing bowls, bringing new people into the sport and making Coorparoo a great community club.”Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.From our partners