Redevelopment plans for Auckland’s Takapuna Golf Course continue. (File photo)
Photo: Nick Monro
Retailer Golf Warehouse has offered $20m to redevelop A.F. Thomas Park and Takapuna Golf Course on Auckland’s North Shore.
Auckland Council plans to turn half of the 18-hole golf course at the park into a floodwater catchment area to mitigate the city’s increasing flood risks.
The Kaipātiki Local Board was expected to begin public consultation on the future of the area in October.
One option for the board would be to adopt the Golf Warehouse plan, which would transform 28.7ha of the park into a series of “recreation zones”.
These included an upgraded driving range, a new “world-class” nine-hole golf course, and a 36-hole floodlit mini golf course.
An upgraded Eventfinda Stadium would also be re-built on a raised platform which the retailer said addressed the stadium’s vulnerability to flooding.
Golf Warehouse owner, chairperson and North Shore resident Eric Faesenkloet said it was an opportunity to make A.F. Thomas Park a multi-purpose community hub for sports, recreation, and entertainment.
“I’m pleased the council has now confirmed a solution that protects lives and infrastructure for future flooding events and I believe a smart plan like ours not only provides exceptional new golfing facilities but also addresses a surge in demand for other sports like basketball, gymnastics, pickleball, cycling, and skateboarding.
“We recognise that regular players of Takapuna Golf Course would ideally like to retain 18 holes, but given the area constraints of the new site, we do not believe this is now viable, particularly in regard to safety.
Takapuna Golf Course as seen from above. (File photo)
Photo: Nick Monro
“The way we play golf has changed significantly in the last decade. Our proposal of a professional nine-hole course, a nine-hole par 3 course, along with a brand new world-class driving range, mini golf courses, and a massive practice putting green, provides a pathway for golfers of every age and ability.”
He said their proposal would not require any public funding.
Eventfinda Stadium CEO Brian Blake said stadium needed replacing.
“The current venue is 33 years old, in need of an expensive roof and is still susceptible to flood damage, which in 2023 cost $6m in repairs.
“Golf Warehouse’s Proposal will see us able to build a larger venue on a new site to prevent flood damage in the future. I really hope the community gets behind this proposal because it ticks so many boxes for what we need.”
The Proposed Facilities:
A new larger Eventfinda Stadium on a raised platform to address flood vulnerability.
A modern, world-class 9-hole golf course with extensive native planting.
A 9-hole par-3 community short course, fully flood-lit to extend play hours.
A new 100-bay, 250m driving range featuring upgraded high safety nets, and ultra-low blue wave floodlights.
A 36-hole floodlit mini golf course and Auckland’s largest practice putting green.
A multi-purpose community clubhouse with hospitality offering and retail.
Golf NZ’s Auckland entry-level participation and talent development programmes base.
6,000m2 (approx) of additional carparking capacity.
Dedicated land for a pickleball facility and a pump track for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
Northern corridor walk/cycleway connecting Wairau Rd with Northcote Rd.
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