Club reveals revamp plans
The Broome Golf Club has flagged a $6.5 million development proposal as it pushes for a 21-year lease agreement.
Even though the club has 11 years left to run on its current lease, “milestone” conditions previously imposed by the Shire of Broome require detailed plans for a new clubhouse, along with a business case and funding strategy.
The latest concept involves construction of three “pod-style” buildings.
Two of them would incorporate a clubhouse with bar facilities, a pro shop, an administration area, a boardroom, change rooms and cart storage.
The other would be leased out to an independent business to operate a formal restaurant/function room upstairs and cafe-style dining downstairs.
The club would use the funds to repay any loans required to complete the development, subject to approval from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
Senior council managers said up to $5 million of grant funding was needed for the project, plus a $1.5 million self-supporting loan over 21 years, which would need to be taken out by the Shire on behalf of the BGC.
“Albeit the BGC has outlined a strategy to apply for these grants, there are some doubts as to the likelihood of being able to independently achieve the full $5 million required to complete the build,” officers said in last Thursday’s full council agenda report.
The BGC has requested a 21-year lease to achieve its funding outcomes and meet any loan commitments.
In July, 2015, the council agreed to enter into a 21-year lease with the BGC after a club official presented a business case for development.
But that was revoked in December that year when newly elected Shire president Ron Johnston submitted a notice of motion to “clarify matters”.
Councillors unanimously agreed to an alternative motion acknowledging the BGC had met the milestone conditions under the current contract and would enter into a new 21-year lease should the club secure project funding.
A requirement stipulates construction must be completed within five years of the start of a new lease.
Councillors also moved to offer the BGC support with an upcoming grant submission and to seek further financial data from the club to enable independent assessment for eligibility for a self-supporting loan through the Shire.
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