Poplars Club Development
We’re excited to share the Poplars Club development, a vibrant new venue designed to bring the Jerrabomberra community together.
The Poplars Club will be your local go-to for great food, social gatherings and events, all set in a picturesque location with modern facilities and extensive landscaping incorporating the existing pond. Stage One will feature a bistro and alfresco dining, a café lounge, a TAB, a gaming lounge and ample car parking. Stage Two (subject to demand) will introduce an upper level with function rooms, and an outdoor dining area overlooking the pond.
The club will be located in the Poplars commercial precinct on land north-west of the Aldi store. A new road to access the club (Gwendoline Place) will be built off an extension of Henry Place past the intersection with Ferdinand Lane, Jerrabomberra (even though the address is listed as 37 Tompsitt Drive for planning purposes).
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a welcoming space for everyone that fosters a family-friendly environment that brings people together and offers more local choices for people in the Jerrabomberra community.
Community Impact
The Poplars Club will offer a variety of spaces where you can relax, socialise and celebrate:
Family-friendly dining and social spaces
Whether you’re catching up over coffee or enjoying a meal with family, our bistro and café lounge will offer cosy, inviting spots to meet. The alfresco dining area and outdoor deck with views of a peaceful pond (in Stage 2), will be a perfect place to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.
Versatile function rooms for all occasions
Planning a party, wedding, business or community event? Our proposed flexible function rooms will accommodate everything from small gatherings to large celebrations.
Supporting local sports and community groups
By offering facilities and sponsorships, we help encourage active lifestyles and get young people involved in sports, whether it’s at the grassroots level or something more competitive. We proudly support over 51 different sports and community groups, through our network of affiliated clubs.
A safe, inclusive space
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that prioritises the well-being of our community. Our harm minimisation programs, including our "Ask for Andy" initiative, along with Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG), are always a top priority to ensure the safety of all our patrons.
Boosting the Local Economy
As part of the Jerrabomberra community, The Poplars Club will play a positive role in supporting the local economy by creating jobs and helping nearby businesses grow:
Creating 40 new jobs
Approximately 40 new jobs will be created in hospitality, catering, administration and management, providing local employment opportunities and contributing to Jerrabomberra’s economic growth.
Supporting local businesses
Poplars Club will attract visitors from both Jerrabomberra and nearby regions, boosting trade for local shops and services.
Environmental sustainability
We are dedicated to environmental responsibility, with energy-efficient buildings and sustainable waste management. By preserving natural features like the pond and adding to surrounding greenery, we ensure that economic growth goes hand-in-hand with environmental preservation.
Development Plan
The Poplars Club is planned in two stages, each introducing new facilities to enhance community spaces and experiences. A development application (DA) for Stage One is in the process of being considered by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and the NSW Southern Regional Planning Panel. A formal notification period for the DA has commenced and the opportunity for community feedback will remain open until 6 March 2025. Full details of the project are available on the QPRC website.
Here is a glimpse of what to expect:
Stage 2 (subject to demand):
Upper level
Function rooms
Outdoor deck & pond area
Multi-level carpark
Stage 1:
Bistro and alfresco dining
Café lounge
TAB
Gaming lounge
Car parking
Progress Update
Next Steps: Council Decision Making
After the public notification period closes on 6 March, QPRC will review the DA and submit its assessment to the Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP), which is responsible for making the final decision. Community support for the project via positive representations made to Council during the public notification period will be important to QPRC’s favourable consideration of the project.
About Vikings
Founded in 1979 with the opening of our Erindale venue, Vikings has become an integral part of our community. With five clubs and a university bar, we proudly serve over 50,000 members across the ACT and Queanbeyan-Palerang region. Our venues are more than places to eat and drink, they are social hubs where the community comes together.
For over four decades, Vikings has reinvested more than $41 million into local communities through a wide range of programs and initiatives. This ongoing support will continue with The Poplars Club, as we stay committed to supporting our local communities by offering welcoming spaces for people to come together and fostering the growth of grassroots participation in local sports and community activities.
Expression of Interest: Affiliated Clubs
We are dedicated to supporting local sports and community groups, and we invite sporting clubs and community organisations in the Jerrabomberra area to connect with us. If you're interested in joining our community, we would love to hear from you!
To express your interest in becoming an affiliated club, simply click the button below and complete the form.
Community Feedback
We value your input and invite you to share your thoughts on The Poplars Club development. Whether you have a question or want to show your support, use the form below to get involved. Your feedback will help shape this exciting new community space in Jerrabomberra.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The whole eastern side of the boundary will have a three metre high acoustic barrier with associated landscaping of mature plantings. There will be no outside activities after 10pm. All external doors will close automatically. A dedicated Alcohol Management Plan has been prepared in response to NSW Police advice. All noise emissions will comply with the NSW Noise Policy for Industry (2017) and relevant local regulations.
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A dedicated Alcohol Management Plan has been prepared in response to NSW Police advice. The club will follow a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) policy, ensuring that patrons showing signs of intoxication are not served further. Security personnel will be on hand to assist with safe transport options, while CCTV, external lighting and regular staff patrols will monitor the premises to address any potential issues proactively.
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No, the club will not sell alcohol for off-premises consumption. Strict policies are in place to ensure that alcohol is responsibly consumed on-site.
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To limit noise during operating hours, the club will implement measures such as ceasing outdoor activities by 10pm and using soundproof barriers. Security will also encourage patrons to leave quietly after 9pm, minimising disturbances.
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The whole eastern side of the boundary will have a three metre high acoustic barrier with associated landscaping of mature plantings. Entry and exit to the Club are through the front doors only, which face away from the nearest residences.
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While property values are not a direct planning consideration, the club is expected to contribute positively to the local area by creating jobs, hosting events, offering recreational activities and giving local people more options for family-friendly activities.
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The club is situated in a zone where such developments are permitted and has been thoughtfully designed to minimise impact on nearby homes. It will serve as a social hub for the community, offering amenities such as event spaces, dining and entertainment.
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This development is permissible under current zoning regulations. Any future proposals will be assessed by Council in accordance with its normal development application process.
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The safety and well-being of our community are our highest priorities. That’s why we are committed to harm minimisation through Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG), and our industry-leading “Ask for Andy” initiative, which provides discreet support for vulnerable individuals. Vikings’ proactive approach to minimising gambling harm has been recognised by both the industry and government.
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Yes, the club’s design focuses on creating a family-friendly environment with landscaped outdoor areas. It also incorporates environmental considerations, retaining local vegetation and ensuring minimal visual impact on the surrounding area. The green space at the rear will serve as a family-friendly meeting area, providing a natural, relaxed setting for children to play.
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The club will create local jobs, support sports teams and community groups, host community events and contribute to local charities. It will also offer choice to local residents for their dining, entertainment and event needs.
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Traffic assessments indicate that the club will not significantly affect local traffic and, in fact, will have less impact than other development types permitted in this location such as retail. The club will have 272 parking spaces, more than enough to meet anticipated demand.
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The club’s design embraces the natural environment by incorporating landscaping and retaining key vegetation. Environmentally sustainable features like Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) construction will help reduce the building’s environmental footprint.
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Pedestrian access will be maintained through safe pathways separated from vehicular traffic.
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The club’s design and construction will prioritise local flora and fauna, preserving key vegetation and minimising habitat disruption. Biodiversity certifications have been secured and landscaping plans include efforts to protect local wildlife habitats.
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The development adheres to biodiversity certification standards, protecting local flora and fauna. Key vegetation will be preserved, and new landscaping will provide additional habitat for wildlife. An existing pond will also be integrated into the design for both visual appeal and environmental benefits.
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The development will be completed in two stages to ensure sustainable growth. Stage 2 will begin only once the club has established itself within the community and demand justifies further expansion.