Katoomba golf course’s rejuvenation continues with the driving range and gym now open and mountain bikes available to hire.
Escarpment Estate’s Edward Fernon, who has the lease over the old course, said a number of the former golf club members have already tried out the range.
He wants to encourage more locals to return.
The pro shop is now open, with bags of balls and clubs available to hire. Mr Fernon has also restored to public display some of the club’s memorabilia, including cups and trophies dating back to 1925.
The club closed down in 2013 after going into receivership. The area has been mostly used by dog walkers since.
Mr Fernon is quite happy for the walkers to continue to use the fairways. They can enter from Glencoe and Stuarts roads but the existing gates along Acacia Street have been blocked off because of their proximity to the driving range.
Mr Fernon said in time he would like to turn the halfway house on the course into a doggie cafe.
He has other longer-term plans which include installing picnic tables and BBQs.
“It’s still a work in progress,” he said.
“I got the lease in March. Since then we’ve marketed the town houses, the driving range is now open, we’ve got mountain bike hire and the gym,” he said.
“Hopefully people will come back. We’re really keen to engage with the locals again,” he said.
“We aren’t finished with the works but we are trying to re-engage with the community and the old members and get them to come back and enjoy the area.”
The gym, run by Andy Lavis, offers personal training, circuit classes and will use the extensive grounds for intensive Tough Mudder or Ninja Warrior-type training.
“We’ve got indoor facilities, under-cover outdoors and then 57 acres of pure fun,” Mr Lavis said.
Mr Fernon said he had been talking to former club members as well as dog walkers.
“It’s been very heartening – we’re very grateful for the support we’ve had from the community.”
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