Workers are renovating the inside of the Orange Ex-Services' Club to ensure it meets social distancing rules when it eventually re-opens.
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CEO Daniel Perkiss said changes were being made to several areas including the poker machine gaming area, eating areas and entrances to the club.
He said the club did not have an indication of when it could re-open but was using the shutdown to re-design and adjust some downstairs areas.
The area has been stripped away to bare bones.
- Daniel Perkiss, CEO Orange Ex-Services' Club
Other works are also being started including creating a direct entry to The Greenhouse from the main entrance via a new staircase.
"We are adjusting the layout of the downstairs area of the Orange Ex-Services' Club and entry points, to ensure the safety of everyone who enters and this includes social distancing measures, in all areas," he said.
Mr Perkiss said the poker machines needed to be moved further apart in the gaming room. "The gaming area has had a lot of time and planning put in, to have consideration to how we position everything," he said.
"The area has been stripped away to bare bones to ensure we not only meet restrictions of the post COVID-19 opening, but have areas in the club where our members want to come to, to get back to socialising and enjoy being out in the community."
Similar planning is also occurring to ensure correct social distancing in restaurant and cafe areas.
"Other work that is underway is the [demolition] and preparation for the new entry into the Greenhouse of Orange," he said.
Mr Perkiss said the club was also upgrading the air-conditioning system and other base building infrastructure.
"It is these undertakings that our members don't see, but wholly improves their experience when enjoying the club's facilities," he said.
"Safety is our main priority, for our staff, members and guests."
The Orange Ex-Services' Club was forced to close its doors in late March after the state government introduced strict COVID-19 rules on public gatherings.
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"All of our staff are looking forward to welcoming back our members and can't wait to re-open our doors," he said.
The government has since allowed up to 10 people at a time to re-enter clubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
However, most including the OESC, are waiting until the restrictions are broadened before re-opening.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
