It is hoped an over 55s development at Wingham Golf Club will secure the long-term viability of the club and create affordable housing for more than 250 people.
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On Sunday, September 8 Wingham Golf Club president Peter Tait and Steve Bowmaker, business development manager for Lincoln Place Developments Pty Ltd, signed agreements to enter into a formal investment partnership to create an affordable Lifestyle Living Community (LLC) project on land currently owned by the club.
"This is a very attractive proposition for us," Wingham Golf Club board member Lesley Steel said.
It is no secret the club has been struggling in recent years as lifestyle habits have changed around the country.
The drought is also taking its toll with just two weeks worth of water left in the club's dams.
The Wingham Golf Club project will be rolled out in three stages and see up to 130 new dwellings built for the over 55s.
Phase one will be the immediate sale of a parcel of land owned by the club - but not utilised for golfing activities - on Country Club Drive. This land will be subdivided into around six lots and sold as house and land packages.
This will provide the club with $270,000 to repay existing debt.
Phase two and three will be centred around a substantial parcel of land which the club will retain ownership of and lease for further dwellings to be built.
It will be business as usual for the golfers with the club's nine hole golf course and club house to remain as the centre of the new lifestyle community.
The long-term income stream generated by the development will be used for continued course and clubhouse improvements.
The club believes the project will offer significant community benefits by providing employment opportunities as well as an economic boost. The project will also preserve open space and, with the installation of a wastewater recycling system, address the water crisis for the golf course.
It will of course also offer affordable housing for an ageing population.
"We're very excited," said club secretary manager Gary Considine. "This is all very positive."