The Journey to Remuera Bowls and Bridge Club

Bridge continues as usual at 273 Remuera Road, as does bowls at Dromorne Road, until further notice.

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The websites for Auckland Bridge Club and Remuera Bowling CLub continue as usual until further notice.

Following support from members of both clubs for the proposed merger, we embarked on an exciting journey to unite Auckland Bridge Club (AKBC), founded in 1929, and Remuera Bowling Club (RBC), founded in 1895, into one vibrant community. The bridge club at 273 Remuera Road sold in December 2025 and we are redeveloping the bowls club site at Dromorne Road, facing Market Road Remuera, as our new home.

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The Steering Committee

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Three elected representatives from each club formed a Steering Committee tasked with guiding us through this transformation. Their mission was clear: create a memorandum of understanding that would honour both clubs' legacies while building something extraordinary for our future.

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Strategic Planning & Financial Security

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The Steering Committee set a forward-thinking directive: 40% of the proceeds from sale of the bridge club would be invested to secure the new club's future. The AKBC Board diligently worked to find the right purchaser, focusing on key criteria including:

• Sufficient deposit and properly capitalised

• Progress to resource consent obtained in January 2025

• Tenure arrangements during the build process allowing the bridge club to remain at 273 for as long as possible during the redevelopment of the bowling site around the corner in Dromorne Road.

Designing Our New Home

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Our initial vision centred on a major restoration and enlargement of the RBC premises, preserving its heritage character while modernising facilities. Architects created concept plans. However the cost of restoration proved to be twice the cost of a new build, sadly, as building regulations have changed in the last 120 years.

We engaged a new architect resulting in a new build design that:

• Provides flow throughout the building for the eight hundred members

• Positions amenities for accessibility 

• Shows off the very pleasing views to Mount Hobson over ann outdoor green with big balconies and seating areas

• Prioritises welcoming interior spaces perfect for socialising

• Build a second covered bowling green which will attract new members and provide a venue for larger events offering sixteen indoor rinks and a further eight outdoors.

• There will be three bridge rooms separated by dividers providing plenty of space for a variety of bridge sessions, with overflow areas for larger events

• Provision of simple catering and refreshment facilities

• About ninety car parks

Moving Forward

AKBC anticipates remaining at 273 Remuera Road these premises until October 2027 during which time the 1.3 hectare bowling site will be redeveloped. Timing is tight.  We have resource consents and are entering the latter stages of design work before tendering the redevelopment.

Official Incorporation

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We are proud to announce that we applied for amalgamation with the Incorporated Societies in January 2026 and received our certificate as Remuera Bowls and Bridge Club Incorporated on March 9th, 2026. This was a long process!

This merger represents more than joining two clubs – it is about creating a sustainable, vibrant future for our bowling and bridge communities, ensuring these beloved sports continue to thrive for generations to come.

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The goal is to be one club allowing members to participate in bridge, bowls and snooker under a single membership, while enjoying smart new premises, improved catering and refreshment facilities, space to relax and a pleasing outlook.