Club forges ahead as major overhaul takes effect

MIDLANDS-Ballarat RSL Sports and Services Club is enjoying a new lease on life as a $7 million upgrade drives new members to the venue.

The Heinz Lane, Invermay Park club is also experiencing renewed interest in its golf and bowls facilities as the project focuses community attention on Ballarat’s north.

Its meals and hospitality areas have been given a new al fresco bistro expansion, a new bar and outdoor areas, along with extra office space and a children’s playground.

The al fresco, with its 180-degree vista of the golf course, is expected to drive more open-air events, while the dining-entertainment area also boasts views to the course and will spill out to the open area.

Midlands chairman Darren Bandy said the upgrade, which is under way, has resurrected the club and thrown a new focus on the area – drawing visitors from not just locally but across the broader Ballarat region.

“We now have 1200 golf club members, 120 bowlers and 4000 social club members,” Mr Bandy said.

“It’s been growing strongly and delivering really well on the strategy we adopted six years ago.”

That strategy saw the club partner with Villawood Properties to develop an 11-hectare site overlooking the club’s 14th fairway as the 113-lot Drew’s Paddock estate.

“Back then, our finances were tight and our prospects were, in all honesty, a bit grim,” Mr Bandy said.

“But we bit the bullet and we’re very glad we did. The development has been a huge success for us.

“It’s sold really well, there’s only two dozen lots left and they’ll get snapped up because buyers love it there and the value of their homes has appreciated strongly.

“What that’s allowed us to do is expand and improve the club’s facilities, invigorate our membership and provide a really solid community hub.”

Mr Bandy said enhanced meeting rooms for conferences, an updated all-weather bowling green, a growing juniors membership and the hospitality overhaul, together with the club’s existing course, had elevated Midlands’ community standing.

“A lot of people don’t automatically look to Ballarat’s north but it’s becoming a drawcard with facilities like this.

“And if you’re in the market for a new home, we’ve got something good to offer on that front too.

“But you’ll need to act quickly to secure one of the final lots.”

For more information on the development, head to villawoodproperties.com.au/community/drews-paddock .