PORTLAND Memorial Bowling Club is planning for a big, bold future.

Major works underway include rebuilding the 1958 retaining wall along Must Street and upgrading all-abilities access including ramps.

Once completed in a few weeks, the next key project will start: a $1.1 million roof, part of the club’s grand vision to becoming a world-class facility.

The 47m by 41m structure will fully enclose the green, allowing bowls to be played in all weather and provide a large undercover venue for the community. The club submitted a planning application for the roof project early last year.

CEO Dean Beckman said the current works were very expensive but necessary.

"It's important to get it all done for safety, to comply with today's standards," he said.

"We're planning for the future. With the explosion in popularity, bowls is attracting younger players, kids especially.

"Like cricket, there are now new formats, which make the sport more exciting these days for the younger players.

"Warrnambool have their children's academy, the Warrnambool Wizards, which is something we'd love to have here in Portland, so safety is imperative."

Last month, the club hosted the Bowls Australia Ranking Triples Carnival with more than 40 clubs represented and eight of the top 100 bowlers in Australia present.