22 Dec / 2020

New proposals for development of Federal Golf Club

 

A new proposal for Federal Golf Club has made by a consortium of Nikias Diamond, Stewart Architecture and the Canberra Southern Cross Club. They say their aim is to stimulate a conversation about what is possible and desirable to keep the Club viable and retain the course for quiet enjoyment by golfers, locals, and visitors alike.

The proposal includes:

  • a new clubhouse (on the site of the existing building)
    • including café/bar/restaurant/office and meeting facilities, pro shop, private Members’ bar, lockers and change facilities, and undercover car parking as well as golf cart and bicycle parking
  • a new coaching pavilion at the driving range
    • including video analysis of golf swing dynamics whilst hitting balls in both real time on the practice range and in a simulator setting, with dedicated spaces for video review and tuition
  • A new lake and upgraded water reticulation to enable better water management and maintenance of high quality surfaces
  • a flexible function venue for up to 300 people able to be used for weddings and other events such as conferences,
    • located separate to the main clubhouse to minimise impact on the golf operations
  • a 36-suite boutique hotel offering an Australian tourism experience with kangaroos at the doorstep,
    • able to be used year round by golfers, eco-tourists, wedding guests, those on corporate retreats and domestic travellers on mini breaks
  • a health club including wellness spa, gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and undercover parking
  • upgraded and signage on walking and cycling tracks and improved access to Red Hill from the surrounding suburbs
    • paths will discourage intrusion onto the fairways and greens as well as protect the highly sensitive box gum woodland ecological community.

More details at the links.

The DRA committee has drawn to the attention of the proponent that the proposal is twice as close to Garran shops as it is to Deakin. We are concerned about the impact on local traffic Deakin and the capacity of Deakin shops to handle the increase. We note that the proposal that was part of the integrated plan for Red Hill had access to Garran where as this proposal does not.

Jane Seaborn at jane@landscaperesearch.com.au