Future shock for Chamberlain Park Golf Course

Chamberlain Park. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Albert-Eden Local Board has decided to develop a plan which could reduce the size of the golf course at Chamberlain Park in order to create sports fields, restore a stream and put in public walkways.

Tonight board chairman Peter Haynes denied its chosen basis for developing a masterplan was a "carve up" of the 32ha council-owned public golf course.

"You could say, local board future-proofs open space and recreational opportunities in the local area," said Mr Haynes.

"What we also did tonight was to approve the starting of a process to work on the western part of the park - naturalising the stream, putting in walkways and cycleways, barbecue areas and playgrounds for the local people.

"As well creating a wonderful park, it's possible that a superior nine hole course, with a driving range and learn-to- play facilities will be better for the future of golf."

However, Chamberlain Park Golf Club committee member Richard Quince said the park was a regional asset not a local asset.

"It is one of only two public courses serving Aucklanders and as such attracts more than 50,000 rounds of golf a year - making it one of the busiest courses in the country."

Mr Quince said a nine-hole course would not attract the same patronage as an 18-hole course.

He said the proposal will have to be in line with Auckland Council's future policy on use of the golf courses under its ownership.

Mr Haynes said the board had earmarked $900,000 over the next three years to start implementing a masterplan.

He said opening the plans for opening the western part of the park for public access would affect three of current 18 holes on the course.

One hole was entirely in the western area and the others had tees on the western side of the stream.

"It will affect golfers who don't want to share the space with other people."

Mr Haynes said the proposal received the highest approval - 35 per cent or 92 submissions in a consultation.

Its cost was estimated at between $8 million and $13.25 million excluding costs of an acquatic centre of $15 - $16 million and $1.38 million to create the western park.

Mr Haynes said master plans were "largely aspirational" and could take five to 10 years and be subject to change.

Chamberlain Golf Course Redevelopment Plan

• 9-hole golf course, driving range, golf practice area, beginner's golf, multi purpose sports fields, aquatic centre.
• 35 per cent or 92 submissions in a board area consultation supported this.
• $900,000 earmarked in board funds over 3 years to start on the plan.
•10 years staged implementation of the plan.