Hole lotta ground breaking going on… It’s balls to the wall over at the Miramar Golf Club redevelopment!
We’re stoked to give you divot-ed golfers out there an update! We check-in with project manager/ legend Drew Coleman on our latest progress – and look at what this project means to the wider community with our fearless leader, Dan Bradley… Whilst junior PM Nicholas Rowe touches on our green habits to keep things sustainable!
The $16.2 million redevelopment is well underway since members approved the plans in December of ’24, kicking off the transformation of turning Miramar Golf Club into a premier golfing destination - with BPM at the heart of it, putt-ing in the mahi.
For those of you reading that might be unfamiliar - the 12-18-month project features a new nine-hole par-three course, 18-hole mini-putt course, upgraded clubhouse and Wellington Central’s first-ever driving range.
To boot – users will feel like pros with individual screens at each station and the latest technology in swing and ball flight data.
The unique state-of-the-art build is a dual-level, 36-bay range and its long-range pod is certainly unusual, drawing attention from clubs across the globe. So, eh… No pressure!
Along with improved infrastructure, we have already completed the on-course redevelopment of a 9-hole course, as well as the eagerly anticipated link-side operational hub & café - 1st Tee Precinct.
There’s a lot going on!
Speaking to the progress on this epic project and what landmarks he’s most looking forward to – Drew says… “A big one for me, is achieving consent approval – for the range and the lounge. Also working through CCC (Code Compliance Certificate) for the 1st Tee Precinct.
Another big one is the Main Contractor engagement – which leads to demolition of the existing clubhouse in April.”
“It’s a significant milestone and it’ll be great to move into the construction phase!”
We can’t wait either, Drew. Not least because we’ve been joking around the office about how we’re going to dress Nick up like Miley Cyrus and make him perform Wrecking Ball.
It’s all in good fun. To our knowledge he can’t even sing. But he’s earning his stripes with a few gentle ribbings.
Fairway to heaven – other clubs will be green with envy
Not all men are created eagle… Scott Macpherson, a New Zealand born world-renowned golf architect has been integral to formulating a sustainable golfing hub at the links and the progress we’ve seen over the past few months.
“We finished the changes to the golf course in 2024, and construction has now finished the 18-hole putting course and the 9-hole par 3 course. The par 3 course will measure about 500m with holes varying from 40m to 75m. This is going to be a super-fun course for golfers of all abilities. The next facility we are designing this year is the fully-enclosed high-tech driving range. I am excited that the new holes at Miramar Golf Club are now open for play and honoured to help the golf club transition into a wonderful new golf facility.”
– Scott Macpherson | scottmacphersongolfdesign.com
To the start of a beautiful friend-chip - Teamwork makes the dream work
In 2019, 12.9 hectares at the southern end of the links covering the back nine holes was sold to Wellington International Airport leaving the club with 11 playing holes – the same number of holes the Golf Club started with in 1908.
The Miramar Links transformation, in partnership with Wellington International Airport, addresses the club's reduced land area - while enhancing the golfing experience and evolving needs of members and the wider community - replacing lost revenue and returning the golf club to operational surpluses.
You know what they say - a bad day of golf beats a good day of work. So, whilst you might anticipate this decision to downsize ruffled more than a few feathers, the members voted 89% (255 members) for the changes - which presented new and exciting possibilities for the preservation of our historic and beloved golf course, securing its future in the community for years to come.
Of course, all of this wouldn’t be complete without an updated clubhouse, which will serve as the social heart of the club - where members can continue to build the community they’ve been nurturing for over 100 years!
Wellington Airport has also chipped in to allow the golf club to re-cycle & reuse turf from previous greens. Cooperation like this is environmentally sound, helps reduce costs and allows a more rapid turn-around minimising the disruption and downtime.
It’s a classic example of community-focused growth, with an eye on sustainability and a commitment to enhancing the city’s leisure options. As well as… an excuse for some solid golf puns.
Construction not destruction - Green habits leaf a lasting impression
Speaking of sustainability - Junior PM Nick has been assisting with the decommissioning of the existing clubhouse, readying it for its imminent demolition.
Before that can happen – he’s been conducting a sweep, creating an asset register, taking photos and maximising the re-use of material – checking out what can be recycled, repurposed or reused, reducing landfill.
Nick says – “Sustainability goes beyond just being environmentally friendly, it also shows a commitment to excellence in project management. This means accurately ordering materials, reusing materials, services, equipment and furniture, and repurposing items that cannot be reused to minimise landfill waste. Additionally, we are contributing to the local community by donating and reallocating furniture and other items that are not needed for the new build, giving them a second life.
To achieve this, I have conducted a detailed walkthrough of the clubhouse, cataloguing each item and creating a comprehensive asset register. This register documents the quantity, description, and designated destination of each item.”
“By tracking and delegating resources effectively, we are not only ensuring a smooth transition from demolition to reconstruction but also fostering a more sustainable and responsible project approach.”
Teeing up all the loose ends so the demolition & construction phases golf forth without a hitch is all part of the long game. If you’re curious about what the new clubhouse will look like, we hear ya! You can watch a full rendered walk through here.
Driving ambition - BPM’s role managing the project and coming out swinging
BPM is stoked to be a part of this effort. Our team are guiding the project every step of the way, from coordinating contractors to ensuring timelines are met and the budget stays in the fairway.
Dan, talking to the significance of BPM’s involvement in this milestone project says – “Our involvement is key to ensuring that Miramar Golf Club is not just a place for golf enthusiasts, but a modern, sustainable hub that caters to both the evolving needs of its members and the broader Wellington community.”
“The redevelopment is taking place on a live golf course, requiring careful staging of construction to keep the course operational while managing opening and closing holes. Works have to be meticulously planned to minimise disruption to members, ensuring continuous playability throughout the project.”
“Given the site’s sensitive ecological environment, extensive wildlife management was required, including habitat protection, native planting, and stormwater controls to ensure hydrological neutrality. Additionally, strict earthworks management was necessary as the project was within Wellington International Airport’s controlled land, requiring compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations to manage dust, noise, and safety protocols.
The project had a fixed deadline for Stage 1, with Wellington Airport taking over the back-9 land on 1 January 2025. All works were successfully completed ahead of schedule by 30 September 2024, despite winter close-down periods. Stage 1 was delivered on time and under budget, securing the club’s future with a high-quality, sustainable 9-hole course and we’re well underway to repeat the same with Stage 2 for the club lounge and driving range.”
The redevelopment is also a boost for leisure & tourism and a source of employment for Wellington. Which in a current economical downturn, is for many, tee-rific news.
Par for the course…
In the coming months, as the bulldozers make way for greens, fairways, and high-tech golf equipment, Miramar Golf Club is poised to take its place as one of New Zealand’s premier golf destinations. With BPM’s management expertise and the combined efforts of architects, engineers, and the entire Miramar team, this redevelopment is sure to make every visit feel like a victory.
So, grab your clubs, because Miramar Golf Club is about to become the place to tee off – and it’s going to be a hole lot of fun!
Ps. Our project management of Miramar Golf Club’s redevelopment has been nominated for the Holmes Group Tourism and Leisure Property Award at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards. Judging starts soon, so wish us luck!
Do you have questions or want to know more about how we can help in your next project, get in touch.
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