$11m revamp for golf clubhouse

BARWON Heads Golf Club has lodged plans for an $11 million redevelopment of its heritage-listed clubhouse.

The City of Greater Geelong is advertising plans for the major revamp that is set to include extensive upgrades of existing facilities, plus new amenities aimed at competitive golfers, more accommodation options and a museum to display the club’s history.

The club would demolish parts of the existing building for a “refurbishment and expansion” of its facility.

Its application process includes a separate planning application through Heritage Victoria.

The planned upgrade would include a new “golf forum” space for players completing competition rounds.

A ground-floor expansion would accommodate a new admin wing including committee room, a new dining room and deck at the western side of the building, and a new museum and gallery to showcase the history of the golf club.

Upstairs, the clubhouse building would become larger to create more floor space and include three extra short-stay accommodation rooms and introduction of new balconies.

The plans also include a host of works related to landscaping, traffic flow and improved facilities throughout, such as for the kitchen and bar area.

In documents submitted to the city, proponents indicated they were confident the proposal “will not adversely impact on the character of the wider Golf Links area”, while modernised facilities would ensure more comfortable use for members and visitors.

“Barwon Heads Golf Club is an established part of the local community and has provided recreation to its members and visitors for many years.

The redevelopment of the clubhouse will allow this to continue into the future.”

“The additions to the clubhouse building have been sited in a way that will protect the sweeping landscapes that contribute to the character of Barwon Heads township.

“Enhanced facilities within the golf course will further the quality of the region’s tourist offer.

“The ongoing use of the wider site for a golf course will allow this coastal area to be sustainably used.”

The city is advertising the plans until November 12.