$12.7 million design for Sandringham Golf Course

A $12.7 million investment in the Sandringham Golf Course will progress to detailed design with Council giving its consent as the land owner for the preparation of a Planning Permit Application.

The proposal is a joint initiative by Golf Victoria and the Sandringham Golf Links Management.

Mayor Cr Laurence Evans said that proposed changes would represent a significant boost to golfing facilities in Bayside.

“Council has two roles in this application, one as the land manager and the other as Responsible Planning Authority,” Cr Evans said.

“In providing consent for the development to move to the design phase, Council is acting in its capacity as land manager.  Final consent for the project to proceed will be reliant upon the proposed design being appropriately scrutinized through the formal planning process.”

Cr Evans said that in considering its support to move to detailed design, Council has taken into account feedback provided by the community on options to enable the project to proceed.

“Three options were presented to the public, one would have seen the course reduced to 15 holes, one a reduced par traditional 18 hole course and one that would have seen no change to the course but would have foregone the opportunity for investment.

“Through their feedback over 60 per cent of respondents indicated their support for some change with nearly half preferring the option for a reduced par 18 hole course.

“Having heard from the community, Council has moved to provide its support for the preparation of plans, with Council’s support being tied to the proposal that would see the retention of 18 holes at the course.”

The project concept includes new and improved playing and practice facilities for the course which will be available for public use and is funded by the Victorian Government, Golf Victoria and the Sandringham Golf Links Management.

Key features include:

Public driving range: 350 metre (approximately) long driving range including grass tees and target greens. Public short game practice area:  Large chipping area and putting green. Public golf training facilities:  Indoor training facilities including golf simulators. Public café:  Public café within the main building with views over the course. An area for Golf Victoria and Course Management: Administration space for Golf Victoria and Sandringham Golf Links staff. Creation of another water body: For water storage and course irrigation, reducing the course’s reliance on potable water.  Increase the number of indigenous trees and vegetation. Course safety improvements.

Alongside improved golfing facilities the redevelopment will allow a section of land currently occupied by the Golf Course to be returned to Council to enable expanded facilities as part of a future redevelopment of the adjacent Tulip Street Family Leisure Centre.

The current proposal includes the opportunity for a water harvesting component which would be funded by Council were it to proceed.

“To support the possible inclusion of the water harvesting component Council will commission a detailed vegetation report for the area proposed for the new dam,” Cr Evans said.

“Council will consult with local environmental groups on the impacts of the proposed dam prior to moving forward to detailed design.

“A study into the existing bird population and habitat on the site will also be completed to help ensure that the development does not negatively impact on them.”

Council expects that Golf Victoria and Sandringham Golf Links Management will now proceed with the development of a planning application for the proposed changes.