Imagine Centennial Park in Katoomba: Lovely, well-maintained parklands with walking tracks meandering among the trees and places for barbecues or picnics.
This is what the old Katoomba Golf Course will ultimately look like, according to developer Escarpment Estates.
The brainchild of former Olympian turned property developer Edward Fernon (he represented Australia in modern pentathlon in London 2012), Escarpment Estates will see 24 upmarket townhouses built, a new restaurant in the old clubhouse, gym and health centre underneath and the Mountains only golf driving range.
Mr Fernon, who owns the lease on the entire site, believes locals will welcome the transformation.
Katoomba Golf Club went into liquidation in 2013. Since then, the 18-hole course has been used mostly by dog walkers.
Council, which owns the land, has continued to mow the fairways but Mr Fernon has plans to create a public park-like setting.
“It’s important that new developments in the area are unique and provide something valuable for the community as well as the new residents,” Mr Fernon said.
It’s important that new developments ... provide something valuable for the community as well as the new residents.
- Edward Fernon
“Escarpments Estate does just that. It will give townhouse buyers and the local community alike rejuvenated parklands and fantastic amenities,” he said.
Already bunkers have been filled in and work has started on the 18-bay driving range. The restaurant is serving meals to tourists who would otherwise have gone to the Katoomba RSL but in time it will be open to all.
Mr Fernon said he believed the townhouses – which will be three- or four-bedrooms – would suit downsizers.
Downsizers also stand to benefit from a federal budget promise that $300,000 from a property sale can be put into superannuation.
“Someone could sell their place in the city, purchase a property here and park their money in super,” Mr Fernon said.
Dominic Hogan from Glenstone Group, said the townhouses would be fitted with lifts and buyers would have a range of options to upgrade fittings and finishes.
People can register an interest at www.escarpmentsestate.com.au.