New Golf Shop FAQs

The following frequency asked questions will continue to be updated in response to suggestions and feedback provided via the survey distributed to Members on Friday, 2 February 2024.

New FAQs

What additional fire protection features will be included in the design? The new golf shop will be designed in accordance with the latest fire legislation and will include all of the necessary requirements. We have included the following provisions from a fire protection standpoint in light of a fire event:

• 1 x Hose reel;
• Additional fire extinguishers over and above code.

Will the golf shop have enough natural light? We have instructed the architect to include high light windows for the three sides of the new golf shop and we also have entry windows and windows in the back corner of the new golf shop. This windows should allow plenty of natural light into the new golf shop. As mentioned, the Club has engaged golf retail experts to design the interior of the new golf shop and they have provided the recommendations around the number of windows required.

Will lithium batteries be allowed to be stored in the golf shop moving forward? While new lithium batteries may be stored in the Club for a short period of time, waiting for collection after being purchased by a Member, the Club will not allow lithium batteries to be charged in the new golf shop or Clubhouse.

Will solar panels be installed on the roof? Solar panels are permitted without heritage approval under the Brisbane City Council’s standing General Exemption Certificate: Local Heritage Places within specified conditions. The relevant specified condition for this installation would be:

• New equipment and service lines must not be visible from the street, not impact upon views to or from the Local heritage place and must not compromise the aesthetic qualities of a place or its setting. [Table 4: Services and equipment]

Are the dimensions of the swing studio sufficient? A specialist consultant has been appointed to provide advice to the Club in regard to the swing studio. The dimensions will be sufficient.

Will the water fountain and air compressor for cleaning golf equipment be re-installed? Yes, these two items will be re-installed.

Where will we scan our scorecards? The angled entry is still being discussed and an area will be allocated for the scanning of scorecards once that is finalised.

FAQs

How is the re-build of the new golf shop progressing? At the time of writing these FAQs it had been just on two months since the fire. We are very pleased with the outcomes achieved so far. We are working with a project manager, Ralph Heading, who many members will know of, to re-build the new golf shop.

What approvals do we need before we can start building? We have applied for a heritage exemption and a planning/flood overlay exemption. The heritage exemption has already been obtained and if the planning/flood overlay exemption is also obtained shortly we can go straight to a building approval phase. This will save considerable time.

Have we appointed architects and consultants to assist with design the new golf shop? Yes we have appointed Transform Interiors Projects to design the new golf shop and they are industry experts in this area. There most recent job was the new golf shop at Kingston Heath Golf Club. BGC Members, Mark Hayson has been appointed to design the exterior of the new golf shop. He works for a company called Archipelago and has over 35 years experience in architectural practice.

Who will build the new golf shop? The new golf shop will go out to tender once the interior and exterior designs are finalised. We have already asked Members to email our CEO, Geoff Kuehner if they are interested in being considered for the tender process (in addition to external builders). Our insurers and project manager will work with the Committee to select the successful builder.

Will the new golf shop be built in the same location and if yes, why? The new golf shop will be built in the same location. Our recently completed Course Enhancement Plan, which will be communicated to Members later this year, highlights our medium-term plans for new practice facilities and the course. Locating the new golf shop in the same location enables us to maximise the space we have for future development. The proximity to the Clubhouse is also ideal.

When will construction of the new golf shop begin? As soon as all of the necessary approvals are obtained and a builder is selected.

Will the construction of the new golf shop impact the course? We will most likely be playing Hole 1 from the forward tees during construction. This will also be required to allow the sewerage works on the driving range to be completed. We don’t expect any other impacts for the course.

When can we expect the new golf shop to be open? All things going well, we are working towards having the new golf shop open in December 2024/January 2025.

Will a member levy be introduced to pay for the new golf shop? No, the Club has adequate insurance in place to build a like for like replacement. The Club has the cash reserves, to pay for the excesses that apply to our insurance policy.

Will we have a temporary golf shop in the interim? We are awaiting confirmation from our insurers regarding this issue. We expect that we will have a temporary golf shop which will have 100 sq metres of golf retail and 150 sq metres of golf club storage.

Will the Club continue to offer Club storage facilities? Yes we will, but we will not store lithium-ion batteries in the new golf shop. Members will also be reminded to have their golf clubs insured under their own home and contents policies.

Will we be adding a roof to cover the motorised carts? The Club is required to retain the views of the heritage-listed Clubhouse from Tennyson Memorial Avenue. A roof is therefore most likely not permitted. Additionally, we received advice from the QFES that if the hardstand did have a roof that we would have most likely lost significantly more or all of our 75 motorised carts during the golf shop fire.

What additional features will the new golf shop have? The new golf shop will have a new retail look and feel which we are very excited about. This is expected to make a wonderful first impression. The new retail design completed by industry experts will make it easier for Members and guests to shop, scan their score cards and interact with staff. We will add a kitchenette and eating area for staff as well as a staff toilet. The new golf shop will also feature a new administration area and improved storage facilities which will allow greater capacity.

Will the new golf shop have a swing studio? Yes, the new golf shop with have both a swing studio and a putting lab with the latest technology available. This will in simple terms be a golf simulator for Members and guest to use in order to trial golf clubs or have a golf lesson.

Was a second storey for the new golf shop considered? Yes, the Committee did discuss this but a second storey would not have been covered by our like-for-like insurance policy and also the additional costs to build a second storey could have deferred other important projects being considered by the Committee on the course and in the Clubhouse. Most importantly, the Committee is confident the design across one level will be exceed our expectations.

Could the locker rooms be placed in the new golf shop? The Committee believe the locker rooms are best to remain in the Clubhouse. This is to ensure we have sufficient space for both our men‘s and women’s locker rooms.

Was moving the new golf shop into the Clubhouse considered? Yes, the Committee did discuss this but the Committee decided against this for several reasons. Clubs generally combine the two facilities if they have poor traffic flow into their golf shop. The Brisbane Golf Club doesn’t have that issue. Additionally, we don’t believe we have sufficient floor space in the Clubhouse to include the new golf shop.

Was adding a Café, like the Garden Room in the new golf shop considered? Yes, the Committee did discuss this but our interior architect recommended keeping these areas separate based on his experiences at other Clubs.

Can members contribute feedback or suggestions for the new golf shop? Yes, absolutely and that is the purpose of this email to engage with members and obtain their valuable feedback and suggestions.

How will the Club keep members informed about the progress of the construction? The Committee will send out regular email updates to members.

What was the cause of the fire in the previous golf shop? A lithium battery was the cause of the fire, but based on the information we have to date, it is unknown what caused the lithium battery to ignite.