Wollondilly Shire Council has accepted the tender of Antill Park Country Golf Club for the operation and management of the iconic Antill Park Golf Course, achieving a fantastic outcome for the Wollondilly community at last night’s Council meeting.
Under the terms of the 30-year lease, the Golf Club and Council have agreed on a significant capital investment program for the site over the next five years, including; a new golf clubhouse building and 10 room motel accommodation, repurposing of the barn for food and hospitality uses, and renewal of the Jarvisfield homestead for continued office use and a ground level meeting space.
The Wollondilly community will be able to make the most of the facilities through an expanded and more diverse membership program, with a Kids Zone/junior golf, female golf market and a long-term plan to develop the course to ‘Tier 2’ standard.
Mayor Matt Gould said, “I’d like to congratulate the Antill Park Country Golf Club on being awarded the tender for the operation and management of this much-loved Picton facility.”
“Council has always been committed to Antill Park Golf Course remaining an 18-hole public golf course, acknowledging its value to the town Picton and the whole Wollondilly Shire.”
“This fantastic outcome is really positive news for our community, and I look forward to seeing the Club grow and deliver these amazing improvements for everyone to enjoy.”
The Antill Park golf course tender process commenced in October 2022, with the previous lease ending in early 2023 and no further options for long term renewal. Council sought submissions “with a compelling vision for the future use of the site and how the site could develop and operate and contribute to golfers and the Wollondilly community.”
Tendering Guidelines for NSW Local Government required Council to publicly seek Expressions of Interest for the operation of the golf course, ensuring an open and transparent process.
Following the review of tenders, Councils resolved in February 2023 to negotiate with the Antill Park Country Golf Club as the preferred tenderer to seek to enter into a new long-term lease.
With the tender objectives fully met, the future of the Golf Course is assured and this will help to ensure the heritage of the site is protected and valued.