Club settles on third green design

THE Torquay Bowls Club has revised its long-running ambition for a third green at its Taylor Park home and will soon put in a planning application for the project.

Located in The Esplanade behind Fishermans Beach, the club has been lobbying for years for help to add a third green.

On Tuesday this week, Torquay Bowls Club announced it would “shortly” submit an application for planning approval to the Surf Coast Shire and to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for landowner approval as first step in bringing the major project to fruition.

“This project, when approved, will enable us to facilitate a major investment in local sport and social infrastructure in Torquay,” club chair Peter Anderson said.

For the club it will provide significant upgrades, including an additional green, expanded social areas, and improved access to better serve the growing community.

“It will be a wonderful asset for Torquay and a place that can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Features of the project, which will be within the club’s existing leased area, include:

Upgrading from two to three greens to accommodate more players and events including barefoot bowls

An extended partially covered deck for improved outdoor dining and social gatherings

Expansion to the clubhouse areas to include more tables in the bistro, larger kitchen area and an internal playground area for visitor use

A redesigned car park with a realigned road for more efficient traffic flow

Enhanced facilities to attract district events and support community activities, and

New sponsorship and business partnership opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability.

The original plan for the works was to expand further north into Taylor Park and create a new winding access road from The Esplanade, but this has been dropped in favour of a straight access road along the edge of the new green.

Torquay Bowls Club estimates the works will need about $4 million in government funding to proceed, but say the development is expected to generate up to $28 million in socio-economic benefits for the Torquay community.

“This expansion is about more than just improving our facilities it’s about strengthening the community bonds that make this club so special,” Torquay Bowls Club manager Andrew Dodson said.

“We want to create a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, enjoy the sport, and connect with each other.

“We look forward to working closely with the community to bring this vision to life.”

The club is also inviting community members, local organisations, and stakeholders to provide feedback and get involved in the project

The first of a series of information nights will be held at Torquay Bowls Club on May 22 from 4pm.

For more information on the proposal, head to torquaybowlsclub.com or email [email protected]