Club redevelopment approved

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has approved a planning application for a $60 million redevelopment for the RACV Country Club of Healesville.
The club, which is located in Yarra Glen Road, has outlined plans for an extensive redevelopment over the next three years.
Improvements to the RACV club include recreation of golfing facilities at the course including a new pro shop, spike bar, bag and cart store and change rooms.
The existing outdoor pool will also be replaced with an indoor 25metre lap pool and wading pool, plus the new addition of a spa, plunge pool, and a sauna and steam room.
There will also be a new entrance and underground parking area, and new accommodation which will increase the current 33 rooms to 80.
RACV project manager John Taylor said the club was in urgent need of renovation after more than 50 years of servicing the local community.
The RACV Country Club was first established in Healesville in 1952 on a 67 hectare site, with the present facilities first opening in 1977.
The development will also include the redevelopment of the road access for commercial deliveries to Ryans Road.
Mr Taylor said that RACV was also looking at the potential purchase of a small parcel of land to the southwest corner of the club.
He said the acquisition of this land would enable the RACV to develop larger water storage areas near the main entrance which would also serve as an attractive entry feature.
Mr Taylor said a transformation of the sewerage settling ponds would also eventually provide an increase in water storage for the golf course and the grounds.
Following the advertisement of the intended redevelopment the council received three objections from local residents.
Director of planning, building and health James LamourReid said the main concerns raised were regarding the increased vehicle access to Ryans Road.
However, despite community consultation no agreement was reached on the proposed use of the Ryans Road access.
Despite the three objections the council last week agreed to approve the application for the redevelopment.
Mr LamourReid said the proposed redevelopment of the club would result in positive economic and social outcomes for the shire and would complement residential uses in the surrounding areas.