Gold Coast City Council appoints agents to find new operator for Helensvale Golf Club

THE Gold Coast City Council is having another swing at finding an operator to lease the Helensvale Golf Club, which shut its doors in March.

THE Gold Coast City Council is having another swing at finding an operator to lease the Helensvale Golf Club.

The council launched a public tender campaign earlier this year after making a decision in late April to find a new operator for the golf course.

The club closed in March when the previous operator, Jigsaw Community Services, went into liquidation.

Helensvale councillor William Owen-Jones said the council chose Knight Frank to lead a new campaign after the public tender failed to find a suitable operator.

He said the council is after a “responsible operator” that can negotiate satisfactory terms with the agency.

Helensvale Community Golf Course is available for lease.

Liquidators changed the locks at the 40-year-old club earlier this year as golfers were turned away, but council has continued to maintain the greens and course.

Cr Owen-Jones campaigned heavily to keep the land as a golf course.

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The 18-hole, par 70 course forms an important part of the Helensvale community.

There are about 700 homes that are either on the course or streets adjacent to the course out of a total of 3000 homes in the suburb.

Mark Witheriff and Sebastian Fahey, of Knight Frank Gold Coast, have been appointed as marketing agents.

Helensvale Golf Club is an integral part of the community. Photo: Regi Varghese

“The course has been a central part of the suburb of Helensvale for more than 40 years, with many residents being members since its inception,” Mr Witheriff said.

“The course has been maintained by the council since April, however the clubhouse will need further investment to deliver an operational standard community club. Previously the clubhouse was operated as a licensed venue and the city will support a fresh application to ensure that the club is viable, as well as suitable for additional revenue from functions, weddings and community group meetings.”

The campaign closes on December 13.