A $120M retirement resort overlooking Merewether Golf Course has been approved by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel.
The Merewether, catering for over 55s, will have 148 luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments spanning four separate buildings, including 16 penthouses with rooftop spa terraces overlooking the golf course.
Merewether Golf Club provided a 99-year lease of the development land to retirement living developer ThirdAge.
Club President Phil Merrigan said the project would secure the club’s long-term financial future.
“This project delivers funding to support significant investment in the golf course and the club’s infrastructure and facilities,” Merrigan said.
“We have been able to realise our vision of a world-class golfing facility and retirement living precinct without having to reduce the size of the course.”
He said the golf course would remain open for members, community golfers and visitors to keep enjoying.
The Merewether will feature a lap pool, cinema, gym, workshop, communal kitchen and craft rooms.
Golf club and community members will benefit from a new clubhouse, restaurant facilities, sports bar and a wellness centre.
ThirdAge director Luke Berry said the project would bring a new style of retirement living to Newcastle.
“The project will create more than 1000 construction jobs and close to 100 ongoing jobs, which is great news for the local economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Berry said.
“The Merewether is all about enjoying the best of Newcastle’s great lifestyle and community with a concierge, resident events such as gala dinners, and classes in cooking, yoga and pilates.
“And, of course, the beautiful championship Merewether Golf Course is on residents’ doorstep.”
Construction could start as early as mid next year, and ThirdAge will soon call for construction tenders.
New residents could be in their homes by mid 2024.
People can register interest at https://themerewether.com.au/residences/.
Information source: Media release