Chief Executive’s Message
Dear Member,
Indoor Golf Centre (IGC) receives planning permission
The Golf Practice Group was thrilled to learn that the Club’s two-tier Indoor Golf Centre Project with Short Game Practice area has received planning permission this week and after years of work meeting all the strict planning and environmental/sustainable conditions set by Wandsworth Council.
The new IGC building was required to meet the new Outstanding BREEAM standard in its design and operation which it has done. Please click here to see visuals of the proposed new building.
The architect Steve McDonald will now complete the tender package over the next two months so it can be issued to prospective contractors so we can see how accurate the Club’s budgeted estimate of construction costs are. Once received the Golf Committee and the Board will consider all options on how best to deliver the IGC as we have three years to start work to fulfil the planning permission. As a reminder the estimated breakdown of costs for the IGC, Short Game Practice Area, Racquets Hub and moving of Croquet lawn 4 totals £4.3m which includes £1.1m for VAT and contingency. Please click here for a full breakdown and a summary of the benefits of an IGC for the whole membership.
Refurbishment of Bar and function rooms and Bar Terrace Extension
We are awaiting planning permission for the Bar Terrace extension and wrap around hoping we can start these works at the beginning of December. Three companies are bidding for the work and the Board will approve the project costs and details in November once the permission has been received and the best value tender has been selected.
Work is progressing on the tender specification for the refurbishment of the Bar and function rooms which is planned to start at the beginning of January and to be completed by end of April 2025. Four companies have been approached for this part of the project. Once the tenders have been returned the Board will look to award the contract in December for the January start.
Padel and Pickleball Hub Working Party
The Working Group has continued to meet, and the minutes of the meeting can be found here. Because this project involves a number of developments to improve the facilities for Padel tennis, Pickleball, Family Playground and extension of the Health Club sunbathing area a new plan will need to be submitted to Wandsworth Council in the form of a pre -application to gauge what the Club would gain support for.
Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett
I was lucky to attend the British premiere of the film – Two Strangers Trying Not To Kill Each Other – last night at the British Film Festival. This moving documentary film features probably the greatest-living street photographer New Yorker Joel Meyerowitz and his British wife artist and author Maggie Barrett. It’s fabulous and will be released early next year. Members will have a unique opportunity to listen to Joel and Maggie on 31st October here at the Club at 7pm and enjoy dinner with friends afterwards in the Bistro – not to be missed.
Art Group and PhotoClub Members go free but must pre-register their attendance with Reception to secure their places.
All Members are welcome – Members £15, Guests £20 – book now at Reception or give the team a call on 020 8480 4200 Find the poster here.
Annual Meeting of Golfers and Captains Drive in – Saturday 12th October
The Annual Meeting of Golfers takes place at 9am on Saturday in the Roehampton Room with reviews of the year by the Golf Committee and the staff. This is followed by the annual drive in of the new Golf Captains, Claire Martin and Justin Thesiger at 11am with some breakfast available beforehand. Please come along to both events to support the new Golf Captains and to thank the outgoing Captains, Caroline Dewar and Peter McGovern.
Best wishes,
Marc