Wānaka Golf Club’s (WGC) rapid membership growth has prompted plans for a new multi-million-dollar clubhouse.

The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board recommended the council grant the Minister of Conservation’s approval for a new clubhouse on the Wānaka Golf Course reserve earlier this week, clearing a key early hurdle for the redevelopment.

Club general manager Kim Badger said the existing clubhouse, parts of which date back almost a century, is no longer fit for purpose.

“The current building has parts of it that are 100 years old,” Kim said, and upgrading the existing structure is “no longer going to work structurally”.

“A new build looks like a better option.” 

An artist’s impression of the proposed new clubhouse. IMAGE: Supplied

First built circa 1927, the current clubhouse has had two major extensions - in 1977 and 1981 - to cater for more users.

The club’s popularity has again prompted the latest plans - the club now has close to 1,500 members and is averaging around one new member every day, Kim said.

“The need for a new facility is huge because of that growth,” she said.

The first stage of the original clubhouse was built circa 1927. PHOTO: Harris Family 

The proposed two-level clubhouse would be built on an already-developed site on higher ground south of the existing clubhouse.

Concept plans include indoor practice facilities, a ‘pro shop’, offices, bar and lounge spaces, and outdoor decks overlooking the course. The existing clubhouse would likely be partially or fully demolished to address ongoing maintenance issues and allow for additional car parking.

Kim said the project was still in its early stages and the cost of the build would probably be “around ten million dollars”.

“We’ll have to generate funds and do a lot of fundraising,” she said. 

“It will probably take three-to-five years.”

The new clubhouse would be located near the existing clubhouse, which would likely be partially or fully demolished. IMAGE: Supplied

Kim stressed that the new clubhouse would “not change the way we operate”.

The golf course has occupied the reserve since 1927 and development of a clubhouse is anticipated under the Wānaka Golf Course Reserve Management Plan, Queenstown Lakes District Council said. 

If the full council grants approval, the club will then move into more detailed design, funding and consenting stages.