Members will be aware that the Building Sub-Committee has been working in conjunction with architects Christou Design on the development of a master plan for our clubhouse and its surrounds. The rationale for developing this master plan is to provide a blueprint for upgrading the existing facility to meet the current and future needs of our membership and extend the economic life of our clubhouse for another 20 years. The master plan is a control document that ensures any future capital works are consistent with an overall vision rather than being undertaken on an ad-hoc basis.
The process undertaken by the Building Sub-Committee was to firstly establish a design brief and then identify and commission an architectural practice with the requisite skills and experience to develop design concepts that respond to the brief. Christou Design was commissioned in early 2015 and we have worked very closely with our architects since then to refine the brief and explore multiple design options. This process included consultation with our membership and key staff.
Three design concepts were publicised in the main bar in April 2016. A members’ information session was then held on the 5th of May 2016 to provide members with the opportunity to hear the principal of Christou Design, James Christou, talk about the concepts and to ask questions. Feedback from members was then reviewed by our architects to further refine the designs.
The Building Sub-Committee has now recommended the adoption of design concept 1/1A as the clubhouse and surrounds master plan. Your General Committee ratified this recommendation at its last meeting held on the 27th of July 2016.
Members can view the adopted master plan by clicking here.
As outlined in earlier communications, before any element of the master plan is implemented, your General Committee will provide members with the following information;
- Detailed drawings of the relevant area,
- Updated cost estimates for the work,
- The rationale for the proposed work incorporating considerations such as enhanced member amenity and improved staff efficiency,
- Where appropriate, a business case supporting the proposed expenditure, and
- A funding plan.
Members will be given the opportunity to vote on whether they want to proceed with the proposed work.
Work will now continue ‘behind the scenes’ on possible future capital works on the clubhouse through the development of business plans and more detailed design. However the primary focus of the General Committee is the golf course and the clubhouse will remain a lower order priority until there is clear evidence that our course is returning to the standard expected by our members.
Kind regards,
John Hanly – President, Ralph Gibson – Chairman Building Sub-Committee.