Concerns are being raised by nearby residents over plans to transform Mullumbimby’s former bowling club into a 24-hour gym, with issues ranging from noise and traffic to a lack of community consultation.

Mullumbimby’s much-loved bowling club is poised for a major transformation, with the historic site set to become home to a 24-hour gym in a shift that will permanently change how the community uses the venue.

The Bangalow community came together on Sunday for a public meeting to receive updates and create a community campaign to have the Banglow Bowlo returned to the community.

With the parent company of the Bangalow Bowling Club, Norths Collective, posting a $2,585,559 loss last financial year, The Echo sought comment around the company’s commitment to major upgrades as promised, and to reassure the Bangalow community that their club is not in danger of becoming insolvent or being sold off.

Since Norths Collective took over management of the Bangalow Bowling Club in June of 2023, The Echo asked Norths Collective CEO how promises made prior to amalgamation were progressing.

Sunday saw 450 to 500 members of the Bangalow Bowlo come out and voice their opinion on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the board of Bangalow Bowlo had negotiated to join Norths Collective. 

A local group of residents have warned of ‘Unlimited pokies, Sydney ownership and minimal sporting club support’ if a large entertainment corporation amalgamates with the Bangalow Bowling Club. 

The apparently abandoned Murwillumbah Bowling Club was ablaze on Friday with emergency services on the scene to extinguish the flames.