THE developer behind a divisive Longyard project claims it is key to saving the “iconic golf course”.
The course owner John O’Rourke recently said he could be forced to close the facility without the rapid approval of two key developments.
Majestic Lifestyles Resorts developer, Bob Andersen, said his company has been working closely with council “with the intention of expediting the approval process to ensure that the golf course remains open”.
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Mr Andersen said it was sad to hear that an iconic facility in a rural community was facing such hardship.
“The location of the proposed lifestyle resort on the Longyard Golf Course was always ideal, however with recent news that this development could save and safeguard the future of the golf course, I am extremely excited to move forward with plans,” he said.
Mr Andersen’s proposal is to build 120 luxury homes with direct access to the the South Tamworth course, with community facilities including, a gym, spa, pool, golf simulator, cinema and hairdresser.
“While this project was always very special to me, as it provides something the over 50s’ community in Tamworth doesn’t currently have access to, it now also brings with it the opportunity to ensure another business doesn’t have to close its doors, further disadvantaging the local community,” he said.
There is also a new 40 lot residential development proposed along the north west edge of the course, backing on to the Arcadia development.
The course’s owner cited a number of factors that could force his hand in closing the facility indefinitely.
“This development offers a welcome relief for the golf course, during drought and tough financial times,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“The lifestyle resort not only ensures long term viability for the course, it also ensures surrounding residents continue to enjoy their golf course lifestyle, and Tamworth keeps its Greg Norman and Bob Harrison designed course.”
This was a main sticking point for members who feared the development could alter the nature of several holes.
Mr O’Rourke refuted it, but conceded the driving range would be lost.
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Jacob McArthur
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
Jacob McArthur is opinions editor for The Canberra Times and Australian Community Media. As part of the Canberra Times' production team, he helps the people of Canberra and beyond get the stories they need, when they need them across a range of platforms, while helping maintain a high editorial standard. Before moving to Canberra in 2020, he started with Australian Community Media in 2015 as a journalist for The Northern Daily Leader in Tamworth where he kept a close eye on Tamworth Regional Council. Jacob was also the co-host of ACM's Water Pressure podcast where he and Jamieson Murphy took a deep dive on issues and key decisions arising during one of the region's worst droughts on record.
