• Bay Island Golf Club president Gordon Hassett with plans for the new look clubhouse.
The Bay Island Golf Club on Macleay Island is set for a major expansion.
The club management committee and club members have given approval for the extensions and major upgrade which will see the clubhouse totally transformed and about 35% bigger than its present structure.
The board has also selected a contractor for the work, Combined Building Concepts of Cleveland.
Club president, Gordon Hassett, says the golf club has gone through an ‘exhaustive process’ in recent weeks to ensure the ‘best possible outcome’ for the club and its members.
He told The Friendly Bay Islander: “Basically, the club will be turned on its head.
“The extensions and improvements are designed to take the club to an exciting new level.
“It is about wonderful new amenities and outlook,” Gordon Hassett said.
The major upgrade will see additions to the eastern carpark end of the club with a new entry area and floor space additions and a further extension at the western end that will contain a new toilet block.
A ramp and stairs will provide entry to the eastern end where reception and new office area will be located.
A new external glass deck area and internal glass room will overlook the picturesque golf course and will be utilised for club dining.
There will also be expanded dining room facilities and a larger area for club functions and other function hire.
The gaming area will be moved to the rear of the club and an out-of-view smoking deck will be located at the western end.
“The new layout offers scope for growth and will give our members and guests a facility of which they should be very proud.
“I am very excited about the improvements. We will go to an entirely new level that I am sure islanders and our visitors are going to really enjoy,” Gordon Hassett added.
He said the glass ‘al fresco’ deck overlooking the course provides a multitude of new options by way of dining and pleasure.
“We expect this will be a real feature of our club. Certainly our caterers are looking forward to the changes and the potential.
“It is also about increasing business and revenue, and you have to have the right facilities to achieve those goals.”
The club president says he believes the new look building will make the Bay Island Golf Club a ‘beacon’ for new members and for mainland clubs to visit.
Plans are currently being finalised and it is hoped work will start in June/July for a completion date probably in September.
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