A $22 million redevelopment has been proposed for Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy, aiming to modernise the clubhouse and improve community access.
Background and History of the Clubhouse
Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy has lodged a development application to refurbish its clubhouse, originally built in 1965. While the golf course dates back to 1921, the clubhouse has undergone only incremental additions over six decades. The club now hosts approximately 70,000 rounds of golf annually, making it one of the busiest in New South Wales.
Design Plans and Features
The proposed redevelopment involves replacing the existing one-storey structure with a two-storey building while maintaining a similar footprint. The redesign includes indoor dining, multi-use rooms for both members and the public, and various terraces with seating capacities ranging from 30 to 170 patrons across both levels.
The ground level will feature member and community rooms for hire, a members’ lounge and terrace, indoor dining areas, a garden terrace for 96 people, and a covered outdoor terrace for 50. The upper floor will add more multi-use spaces and terraces, expanding the venue’s potential for events and community use.
Community Integration and Facilities
A new coffee kiosk is included in the plans to accommodate passersby without requiring them to enter the clubhouse. This aims to separate member and public areas more effectively and make the club more welcoming to local residents.
Club officials said the intent is to generate income through increased event and hospitality services, keeping both member and public fees affordable, rather than relying on member subsidies.
Parking Expansion and Gaming Room Removal
To support extended operating hours and a higher volume of visitors, the club plans to expand parking capacity from 43 to 92 spaces. This includes an overflow area, new accessible bays, and dedicated staff parking.
The club will also remove its existing 11 pokie machines, which have not been a major source of revenue. No gaming area is included in the refurbishment plans, aligning with broader concerns about gambling harm in the Northern Beaches area.
Coastal Resilience Measures
The clubhouse is situated near Fishermans Beach but is reportedly shielded from the types of coastal threats faced further north in Collaroy. Nevertheless, a Coastal Engineering Report has outlined precautions such as using water-resistant materials, elevating power points, and installing laminated glass doors. These steps are designed to withstand rare storm events, including a one-in-one-hundred-year scenario.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The development application is currently with NBC, with exhibition yet to open as further documentation is compiled. The club expects that once approved, construction would take at least 18 months. Plans are in place to minimise disruption, including potentially using the existing Pro Shop as a temporary facility.
Published 14-July-2025
