Merewether Golf Club: $120m HQ and seniors village approved by planning panel
It is set to be one of the fanciest golf venues in the Hunter. Plans for a multimillion-dollar world-class golfing venue and seniors village within Merewether Golf Club are moving forward.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Call for ‘Ruby Princess style’ inquiry at Newmarch
- ‘More the merrier’: Another drive through COVID-19 clinic
Plans for a multimillion-dollar world-class golfing venue and seniors living precinct in Newcastle are one step closer.
The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel (HCCRPP) has given the $120 million golf club and seniors village within the Merewether Golf Club, the green light to move forward, with Newcastle Council the final hurdle.
“It’s been a long road and a lot of waiting and anticipation,” Merewether Golf Club captain Aaron Spalding said.
“There’s been a lot of work go into it.
“Members are very excited, they have been along the journey with us for nearly four years.”
The proposed development — headed up by developer Thirdi Group — features a new clubhouse with a restaurant, sports bar, pro shop and conference centre and provides 148 serviced self-care seniors living units and a wellness centre.
That’s all housed in a multi-story tower development with basement parking and other amenities.
“There’s no doubt what we’re proposing will set Merewether Golf Club apart from anywhere in the region,” Director at Thirdi Group Luke Berry said.
“This type of development had that Thirdi distinctive flare of innovative brilliance of an apartment that I would want to live in regardless if you are a retiree.”
The development will sure up the financial future of Merewether Golf Club and address demand for more high end seniors living within the region.
“We’re entering into a 99 year partnership with the club so they retain ownership of the land and we create what we hope will be an award winning retirement village for the community,” Mr Berry explained.
“Our drivers for this project was for the long term financial future of the club and to make sure it survives.
“As well, this market doesn’t have enough housing for an aged population not just in Newcastle but across the state.”
In the current COVID-19 climate, the proposed development will also deliver an employment boom to the broader Newcastle economy if approved.
It’s estimated the project will create over 1000 jobs in the region during construction and close to 100 ongoing jobs when the new club and village is operational.
“We are using the COVID crisis as an opportunity to drive better design and future proof our project if a similar crisis arises in the future, ensuring our residents remain safe and living in the best designed properties possible,” Mr Berry added.
The HCCRPP unanimously approved the Site Compatibility Certificate (SCC) citing the proposal offered a unique, high quality, high amenity housing option for seniors.
The location of the site boasts access to public transport and the height bulk and scale of the proposed development is general screened by vegetation.
The development application is expected to be lodged with Newcastle Council later this month or June. Estimated completion of the development, if approved, is in late 2023.