Negotiations are set to begin between the City of Greater Geelong and management company Clublinks over the lease of Queens Park Golf Club in Highton.
The City announced this Wednesday it had selected Clublinks as the course’s preferred operator via an extensive tender process, with the council group voting to hold contract negotiations in the coming months.
The lease agreement will see Clublinks manage operations at Queens Park for the next 21 years and invest $5.3 million in the facility, including $2 million in the clubhouse, $1 million in the driving range and $2.3 million in the course itself.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said exciting times were ahead for Queens Park.
“This is an important next step in the process towards a better Queens Park Golf Club for everyone,” he said.
“I look forward to negotiations commencing and more positive news soon.”
Clublinks chief executive Anthony Lawrence said the organisation had great plans for Queens Park.
“We’re thrilled to continue our established partnership with the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise Queens Park Golf Course,” he said.
“Our vision is simple; create a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone can play, laugh, and connect.”
During Tuesday night’s meeting at City Hall, councillor Anthony Aitken advised City chief executive Ali Wastie to ensure financial investment in Queens Park occurred at the beginning of the lease.
“I encourage the negotiations to be conducted in a quite strong manner, that capital investment occurs in the early stages of this tender and not at the later stages,” he said.
“Iif that can be achieved, it certainly will be a win-win situation for the community.”
