The $7.5 million redevelopment of Warrnambool Golf Club’s clubhouse is well on track with the south-western Victorian venue headed towards a January 2024 completion date. With a local design by Mathew Morse Architecture and build by local firm Modus Construction, the multi-purpose facility extends beyond the immediate needs of members of the Warrnambool Golf Club and aims to be a facility that meets the needs of the entire community.
In 2019, the Warrnambool Golf Club carried out extensive consultation with its members and stakeholders to identify and prioritise the future needs of the club. Facilitated by SED Regional Advisory, the results identified that a redeveloped clubhouse was a key priority.
“Its current facility was in significant need of repair due to non-compliant building features, limited accessibility and increasing deterioration of fixtures and fittings. Further to this, the facility does not provide for the current needs and/or expectations of its members and stakeholders,” the report found.
As part of a long-term strategy, the club needed to address the significant challenges and stresses of its ageing infrastructure that was well beyond its useful life expectancy.
“Warrnambool Golf Club recognises that it plays a significant role in the lives of local residents and businesses, as well as our visitor economy,” club president Paul Blain said. “As such, the club has committed to undertake a $7.5 million redevelopment of its clubhouse to address this need.”
The major works contract was budgeted at $6.5m while furnishings, landscaping and project contingency were estimated at $1m. The new venue will be able to seat 200 in the function area and 60 in the cafe. The new clubhouse will also feature the largest golf pro shop in the region and will also include a virtual golf studio. There will also be a trophy cabinet holding the silverware of Warrnambool Golf Club Honorary Member and former PGA Tour Professional Mark Leishman.
The floor-to-ceiling windows will offer expansive views of both the back and front of the course. A large terrace will cap off facilities at the venue.
Funding for the project included $3.5m from the Warrnambool Golf Club and $2m from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (Infrastructure Stream). The club also launched a capital appeal for the infrastructure project, with a goal of raising $2 million.
“We have an ambition and responsibility to ensure that our club and its facilities reflect a vibrant, solvent, sustainable community hub that is welcoming of everyone and can be used for the benefit of the whole community,” Blain said.