A fresh and inviting clubhouse is set to grace the Manly Beach landscape. Detailed plans for a new, pokie-free clubhouse at the Warringah Golf Club in North Manly have been given the green light by planning authorities.
The $8.7 million, two-storey facility is poised to replace the outdated clubhouse that closed its doors two years ago.
The approved plans feature a first-floor restaurant with a capacity of 60 diners alongside a function room. Both areas will offer scenic views of the golf course from a spacious terrace. A ground-floor sports bar for 50 patrons will be located near an outdoor garden lounge, accommodating 50 people, adjacent to the pro shop.
The Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel approved the development application, which permits 320 people to use the clubhouse anytime. The restaurant and bars received overwhelming support from the public, with 81 submissions in favour.
The clubhouse will be constructed on a portion of the council’s existing Warringah Recreation Centre, which houses tennis, squash, and five-a-side soccer courts, at the corner of Pittwater and Kentwell roads. The centre is slated for its $7.3 million upgrade as part of an approved council masterplan for the joint sites.
Northern Beaches Council, which owns the golf course, and Warringah Golf Club have pledged to create facilities accessible to the public and other sports organisations, not just club members. The new club, approved to operate as a registered club with a liquor licence, will be poker-machine-free under an agreement with the council.
Warringah Golf Club President Scott Campbell expressed his eagerness for the new clubhouse’s opening and its role as a family-friendly hub open to the entire community. He mentioned that the club is still deliberating whether to handle the eateries and catering in-house or outsource them.
Campbell emphasised that all northern beach residents are welcome. He acknowledged that the old clubhouse faced challenges due to a lack of community awareness. He expressed the desire for the new clubhouse to be inclusive and attract users from the surrounding sporting precinct.
He also highlighted the absence of licenced premises between Brookvale and Manly, suggesting the new clubhouse will fill a community need. He reiterated the family-friendly focus and the lack of poker machines as key attractions.
Four builders have been issued tender documents for the clubhouse construction. Once a builder is selected, work will commence early in the new year.
Published Date 17-September-2024
