An increasing number of sports clubs are teaming up with retirement village operators to build new villages – and both residents and clubs are reaping the benefits.
On the Gold Coast, one of our biggest operators RetireAustralia is currently building 177 apartments at the Burleigh Golf Club, while Merewether Golf Club in Newcastle has just released plans to building up to 150 high-end retirement living apartments at their course.
Only this week, the Flagstaff Hill Golf Club in Adelaide has put forward plans to sell part of its land to village operator Living Choice for a $40 million retirement village.
If approved, the 133 villas and apartments would be the first integrated retirement village and golf club in South Australia.
So why are these clubs turning to villages?
Partnerships to benefit all
The fact is most can no longer rely on membership fees to keep their doors open.
In the case of the Merewether development, the Club had lost nearly $50,000 in the last year – despite introducing new flexible memberships and increasing its membership numbers to a 15-year high.
The benefits of these developments are two-fold – the operators usually lease the land on a 99-year lease. This gives clubs a steady income stream that they can rely on to boost their coffers.
As part of the deal, operators also upgrade the club’s ageing facilities including clubhouses and other community facilities.
The perks also extend to the village residents. These clubs are often in great locations close to public transport and other amenities, making them ideal for retirement living.
Residents are also entitled to membership to the golf club and all of its facilities.
We know that keeping fit and active in later life can be the key to living longer – and you’ll have no excuses with a golf course at your doorstep.
Sounds like a win-win situation for everyone.
