Whaleback driving range on course for much needed revamp
The City of Canning council voted unanimously at its special meeting on July 1 to award the contract for the work to Schlager Group.
It includes refurbishing the driving range building, new entertainment bays, construction and fit-out of a kitchen, and new toilets.
Other approved upgrades include netting to reduce the number of balls flying from the range and more Toptracer technology.
The works are expected to increase the range's working life to 35 years and its value to $7.4 million. The Whaleback Golf Course was previously operated under private management for more than four decades. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / Community News
Deputy mayor Mark Bain said there had been a couple of false starts with the revamp but they were because of 'due diligence'.
'This project is part of a much larger effort to make Whaleback not only a high-quality facility but also a future alternative source for revenue that can help offset rates,' he said.
A council report said the works would enable the city to capitalise on the demand for golf entertainment.
'Upgrade of the driving range is critical for protecting Whaleback's long-term revenue growth, diversification of the user base, and alignment with the emerging trends in golf entertainment,' it said.
Schlager Group was among six bids for the work. Past projects it has been involved in include upgrades at Litis Stadium.
Whaleback — which is the only golf course in the City of Canning — has always been a public course but it was only in December 2023 that the city took over management responsibility.
Its business case for the upgrade of Whaleback has been kept confidential.
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Whaleback driving range on course for much needed revamp
Works to bring the Whaleback golf facility in Parkwood above par are on course, with a contract awarded for the first stage of its long-awaited revamp. The City of Canning council voted unanimously at its special meeting on July 1 to award the contract for the work to Schlager Group. It includes refurbishing the driving range building, new entertainment bays, construction and fit-out of a kitchen, and new toilets. Other approved upgrades include netting to reduce the number of balls flying from the range and more Toptracer technology. The works are expected to increase the range's working life to 35 years and its value to $7.4 million. The Whaleback Golf Course was previously operated under private management for more than four decades. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / Community News Deputy mayor Mark Bain said there had been a couple of false starts with the revamp but they were because of 'due diligence'. 'This project is part of a much larger effort to make Whaleback not only a high-quality facility but also a future alternative source for revenue that can help offset rates,' he said. A council report said the works would enable the city to capitalise on the demand for golf entertainment. 'Upgrade of the driving range is critical for protecting Whaleback's long-term revenue growth, diversification of the user base, and alignment with the emerging trends in golf entertainment,' it said. Schlager Group was among six bids for the work. Past projects it has been involved in include upgrades at Litis Stadium. Whaleback — which is the only golf course in the City of Canning — has always been a public course but it was only in December 2023 that the city took over management responsibility. Its business case for the upgrade of Whaleback has been kept confidential.
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