$10m Dollar Clubhouse Restoration Underway at Nelson Bay Golf Club
By Mathilda Andersson
An extensive renovation is en route for the popular Port Stephens club after a devastating Father’s Day fire engulfed the clubhouse last year.
What was supposed to be a joyous day for the club and its members turned out a tragedy when the clubhouse and adjoining restaurant went up in flames in early September last year.
The clubhouse, originally built in 1963 and which had recently undergone a $2 million renovation, suffered extensive damage to the bar, auditorium, office and poker machine areas, sparing only the course and a few other nearing facilities like the pro shop and the outdoor verandah.
No personal injuries we recorded in the accident.
In order to recommence business as usual the club relocated into a temporary clubhouse and office in December 2015, and is now reportedly spending close to $10 million of the insurance funds on a comprehensive rebuild of the club venue.
Club captain Peter Power said the revamp would make the clubhouse “state of the art” and was expected to attract more potential members.
“It’ll be the best club in the district with hopefully the potential to combine other tourist attractions with golf packages,” he told the Port Stephens Examiner last month.
“We think it will also attract more social membership.”
Construction of the new 2100-square-metre multi-leveled clubhouse, which will feature room for retail, a pro shop and balconies overlooking the course, commenced four months ago and is estimated to reach completion by June next year.
The development includes function rooms with ability to cater for up to 230 people, which will be used to attract weddings, conferences and other events along with an outdoor ceremony area.
Additionally, the rebuild will feature an outdoor courtyard and a play area for children.
According to the club’s new sales and marketing manager Natalie Kelly, the club has been able to cope well considering its’ tough times, with little loss in terms of playing memberships.
“The social side of the business has gone down a bit during this period as a result of not being able to host any major functions,” she said.
“But luckily the course was not damaged by the fire so we have still been able to facilitate 71.000 rounds yearly and host competitions for our 2500 members.
“With construction ready we will be available for weddings, functions, conferences on a bigger scale than before, and we’ll also be hosting a lot of come-and-try days.”
Kelly also told the club is currently undergoing a rebranding, which will increase the club’s social media presence.
Click here to read more articles in GIC Summer 2016 e-magazine
In this 2016 summer issue we have a look at the ever-growing presence of MSL Solutions and their move into the global golf market, as well as their evolution into the Australian market. We also hope to start a discussion about Daylight Saving and the potential impact on the golf industry in SE Qld. We hope you enjoy the read…
