Barwon Heads Golf Club seeks approval for temporary facility ahead of $11m redevelopment of its 100-year-old clubhouse

The long-awaited redevelopment of the historic clubhouse at Barwon Heads Golf Club is edging ever closer as plans for a temporary home are put out for public feedback.

Dating back to 1924, the clubhouse at Barwon Heads Golf Club has previously been lauded as the best in Australia.

An $11m overhaul of the 100-year-old clubhouse at Barwon Heads Golf Club is one step closer as plans for a temporary facility are put out for public feedback.

Following Geelong council’s approval of the redevelopment in December 2022, planning consultancy Ratio, on behalf of the club, is now seeking approval to transform a maintenance shed located in the north-eastern corner of the property into a makeshift clubhouse.

The proposed $250,000 works include the addition of portable kitchen and toilet facilities, and the installation of glazed doors, plus the creation of a 40sq metre external courtyard and an area to accommodate three car parks.

“It is vital that whilst works are underway on the clubhouse proper that club members and patrons are afforded a reasonable level of service,” the application states.

“The scale of the temporary clubhouse operation will be significantly less than that of the existing clubhouse.

“Therefore, it is considered that the impacts arising from the development will have no unreasonable impacts on the amenity of the surrounding residential area.”

Plans for a temporary clubhouse at Barwon Heads Golf Club are out for public consultation until March 3.

The 12-month redevelopment of the heritage-listed clubhouse, which boasts 19 guest rooms, is expected to start in June.

Key changes include a new “golf forum” space for competing players, an archives space “for the retention of club history”, expanded terrace space, a new administration wing and western dining room and deck, a new “museum and gallery”, expanded kitchen and bar facilities, three new short-stay accommodation rooms, and almost 70 rooftop solar panels.

The exterior appearance of the building will not change substantially, with works focused on modernising the interior.

Project manager BCV Projects said the redevelopment would improve the clubhouse’s functionality in line with the “evolving needs” of members and guests.

“The comprehensive renovations will carefully preserve sensitive heritage elements that make the clubhouse a cherished landmark,” its website states.

In 2019, Australian Golf Digest included Barwon Heads in a list of its top 25 clubhouses in Australia.

Its “stately” nature was lauded, as was its “airy, graceful proportions (12-foot-high ceilings) and large, character-filled rooms (that) speak of golf’s golden age”.

“Hands down the best clubhouse in Australia,” panellist Steve Beach said.

The Heritage Council of Victoria notes it “was the first clubhouse with accommodation for both sexes, based upon country club lines in Victoria”.

A fire in 1982 that significantly impacted the southern wing of the clubhouse required a rebuild but did not change the fundamental layout of the building.

Barwon Heads Golf Club ranked 20th in this year’s Golf Australia list of the top 100 courses in the country.

Prospective members must be endorsed by five existing members, while green fees players can expect to pay $250 a round during peak periods if they’re lucky enough to find a free spot.

Originally published as Barwon Heads Golf Club seeks approval for temporary facility ahead of $11m redevelopment of its 100-year-old clubhouse