A bold new vision aims to transform the Hastings Golf Club into a premier tourism destination, combining residential development with golfing facilities. The proposal, now open for public feedback, would see 170 homes integrated alongside the course’s fairways.
Golf Sport Development Limited Partnership (GSDLP) is seeking to amend the Hastings District Plan, proposing to change the Bridge Pā site’s designation from Plains Zone to ‘Sport and Recreation Zone.’ Their specific vision calls for a ‘Heretaunga Golf and Leisure Precinct’ that would blend housing with leisure facilities.
The ambitious development plan encompasses new recreational amenities, commercial spaces, residential housing, and accommodation for visitors. The project would involve rezoning 82.2 hectares of land.
Leading the initiative is GSDLP, a partnership of golf tourism experts including Greg Turner, Ryan Brandeburg, and David Moore. The club’s groundbreaking first female president, Robyn Bell, strongly endorses the transformation, having supported it from the beginning.
According to the 1News website, “In 2018 the president of the time approached Turner, a former golf professional, to discuss the club’s future,” Bell explained. “We had aging buildings and it was outside the club and members’ ability to replace. So Greg was approached for ideas.”
According to Bell, the development vision evolved into something far more expansive than initially anticipated. “But the committee had the courage to go with it,” she noted. “A lot of work and research has gone into the application and I’m extremely excited.”
Michelle Campbell, the club’s general manager, emphasized the extensive preparation involved. “There has been a lot of groundwork done by all parties,” she said. “It’s led by council process, and needs to run its course, however, we are sure there will be a positive outlook. We are sure there will be a positive outlook. We are bound by the council and respect that and will do what’s required of us.”
Golf Sport Development positions the plan change as crucial for breathing new life into the Hastings Golf Club, ensuring its longevity as a premier golfing facility for future generations. The proposal aims to formally acknowledge the site’s long-standing recreational purpose by rezoning it as Sport and Recreation Zone (SARZ).
“It is intended that an overall distinctive golf course character is retained within the existing rural working character area and that the character of the adjoining Production Plains Zone would not change,” the proposal states.
The development’s overarching mission is outlined clearly in the proposal: “The vision is to create a residential lifestyle community within the golf course property, that enables enhancement of the facility to a level that transforms the site into a destination asset for the wider community and strengthens and enhances the linkages with other nearby attractions and activities such as the cycleway and vineyards.”
The developers have submitted an extensive application to Hastings District Council, spanning over 200 pages. The detailed documentation includes concept designs, comprehensive reports, and thorough assessments covering environmental impact, stormwater management, water supply considerations, and cultural implications.
The public has until 5pm on February 24, 2025, to submit their feedback on the proposal.
