$1billion Greg Norman golf resort vision revealed
Set to be finished by late 2019, a new $1.02 billion development plan for the old Huntley Colliery site, including an 18-hole championship golf course by the name of Greg Norman, was unveiled yesterday by developers and the golfing great himself.
The tourism vision in West Dapto, south of Wollongong, is to be called “Silkari Resort at Avondale”, and has along with the golf course been underway since gaining approval in 2011.
The project is undertaken by Sydney-based, Chinese-backed Visionary Investment Group (VIG), which bought the site in 2015 and plans to add not only a golf course to the site, but a clubhouse, and resort hotel, high-end spa and lodges, tennis and recreation centre, the golf academy and a 395 dwelling housing estate.
The proposed Australia-first golf academy also named for Mr Norman will be the centerpiece for the tourism site, according to yesterday’s announcement.
The golf legend was on site for the reveal and explained how he “fell in love” with the former industrial site ten years ago.
According to developers, most of the proposal will be subject to a lengthy planning process – including rezoning and an overall master plan before it can go ahead. However, the golf course and some of the planned housing subdivision have already gained approval.
VIG says the golf course will be finished in two year’s time, with completion of the holes done in stages to allow them to be played.
Source: Illawarra Mercury
