$3.3m Katoomba clubhouse site to become university centre
Monash University and Western Sydney University are currently finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with council after it purchased the old Katoomba Golf Clubhouse site for about $3.3 million.
The MoU sets out a commitment to establish a leadership centre of international significance in the field of planetary health at the clubhouse site.
A visionary plan
Monash University’s Sustainable Development Institute director, Professor Tony Capon, described the plan as “a visionary way to mark the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO world heritage listing of the Greater Blue Mountains Area next month”.
Councillors endorsed the purchase of the clubhouse site that sits alongside the former Katoomba golf course – already owned by council – at their September 29 meeting. The purchase makes the site council’s largest operational land holding, at 29.66 hectares.
Potential for job creation
Blue Mountains City Council CEO Dr Rosemary Dillon said the former clubhouse site has “significant potential to support appropriate development of this precinct that enables sustainable economic and social development, as well as job creation”.
“By purchasing the clubhouse site, it remains in council’s ownership and leverages opportunities for the future.”
She said “it is a fitting gift to the city – and the world – that we look to establish such a significant centre” as the Blue Mountains prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its world heritage listing.
The purchase has been funded by council’s property investment fund and internal sources to avoid the long-term cost of borrowing.
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