Instead, the Bowral Bowling Club is planning a $1.7 million expansion to accommodate its 1000 members.

The renovation will include a 120 seat function room, a 250 seat lounge, a separate gaming lounge and new bar facilities, as well as new male and female locker rooms and change rooms.

Secretary/manager Trevor Olsen said since the clubhouse was established in 1956, the club had acquired residential sites along Shepherd Street for car parking, with the result that the club is now "back the front", with the entrance from Shepherd Street instead of Una Street.

The renovation will include revamping of the Shepherd Street facade to make it more compatible with the area.

"We understand the importance of being in the Bowral historical precinct, especially close to the Bradman Oval and houses of heritage appeal in Shepherd Street," Mr Olsen said.

Mr Olsen said in the last three years, members of the Moss Vale and Mittagong Bowling Clubs, now both closed, had joined the Bowral Bowling Club.

"This causes us to be busting at the seams," he said. "The increase in retirement accommodation in the Highlands is increasing and this year we have 300 bowling members (men, women and juniors).

"We have 35,000 games of bowls played here each year. Major tournaments attract up to 200 people and it is not possible to cater for that number of people in a clubhouse this size.

"I am confident that bowling in the Southern Highlands will continue and that there is a need in Bowral for not only a bowling club but also a recreational club open to Bowral and Southern Highland residents."

Mr Olsen said the work is expected to be completed early in 2006.

Trading will continuing throughout the renovations.

Mr Olsen said the Bowral Bowling Club was aware of concerns expressed by residents about the expansion.