|
CLUBHOUSE RE-DEVELOPMENT PROJECT – UPDATE TO MEMBERS 15TH OF SEPTEMBER 2025 Dear Members, It is timely to update you on the Clubhouse Redevelopment Project. As previously mentioned, following Member support this is proceeding in two streams being firstly, preparation of the Development Application for the Clubhouse redevelopment and modernisation and secondly the possible funding by sale of the Visitors’ Car Park and adjoining Pacific Highway land. Clubhouse All key consultants have been appointed and briefed on the project and are working together with us through concept plans as managed by our external consultant project manager Compass Project Management. The total budget for this DA process is being carefully managed, and costs remain within our budget. A site tour for Council planners, DA specialist, engineers, arborist and heritage experts was held in July to familiarise themselves with the site, the Clubhouse and our intentions prior to a pre-DA Lodgement. We anticipate submitting pre-DA documentation and having a pre-DA meeting with Ku-ring-gai Council in late October 2025. The pre-DA process is an important risk management step as it enables Council to review and provide comments on key aspects of the design and impacts of our draft plans. The feedback from Council will inform the finalisation of the detailed plans and supporting documents that we are required to submit with a DA. What we will ultimately lodge in the DA will satisfy the Facilities Brief updated by the Clubhouse Re-development Committee (CRC) based on members feedback from earlier this year and subsequently approved by the Board. The proposed design remains substantially similar to the concept plans presented to Members earlier this year with some value management to reduce costs. However, it is important to remember that what is ultimately lodged is based on the Club’s preferred optimal design and may contain more than we can afford to build initially or may need to be built in stages depending on funding. As John Wynne noted in his presentation on planning issues to Members, it is better to include everything we would want to do if possible, rather than seek to subsequently make additions as the latter requires a new DA or modification of any DA consent and therefore involves more time and cost. The plans are not yet final but will be shared with Members in due course. Significant work is taking place to finesse and critique the structural designs, dimensions of all rooms, compliance with legislation and heritage required in the DA documentation. This does not include final finishes, interior designs, furniture or fittings. This work comes later. Funding Stream As mentioned previously, this stream lags the clubhouse stream due to the lack of clarity around density reforms. The State Government density reforms are being challenged by Ku-ring-gai Council who have put up their own plan which is still being considered by the Government. While still uncertain, it appears more likely than not that the State Government may agree that Council’s plan may supplant the Government’s Transport Oriented Development (TOD) plan for the area within 400m from Killara Station but not the low and midrise housing plan for the area 400-800m from the station (which includes KGC land). When we have greater certainty on this reform, we will progress further, but we continue to watch with great interest so as to be able to optimise the potential value for KGC members. On your behalf I thank all of the CRC members and various members CRC is consulting with for their continued time and expertise. The Club has an amazing source of highly qualified members who are offering their services, time and contributing to this significant project for the Club’s future. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we progress this significant project for the future of Killara Golf Club. Steve Healy |
