Five offers for Sandringham Driving Range rights being considered
Driving for show and putting for dough, Bayside City Council will next month choose from a shortlist of tenders to run the popular Sandringham Golf Driving Range on the corner of Wangara Road and George Street.
An evaluation panel has shortlisted three of five tenders who entered expressions of interest through Richard Lyons, formerly of Kevin Nixon estate agents.
The winner will be chosen by the council at its August 27 meeting.
The range comes with a new 10-year term with no option for renewal, a market review after five years, and 5% rent increases per annum, says Sally Naughton, coordinator, commercial services (leasing). Other rental details are commercial-in-confidence.
The range, established in 1987, is near several of the famed sandbelt golf courses, including Royal Melbourne and Victoria, on the site of an old tip. Its creator is long-time Royal Melbourne pro Bruce Green, who has partnered every lessee since then.
Retendering is the incumbent, Ian Wood, who has run the range with Green for the past 10 years. He says the 30 bays attract 50,000-70,000 golfers per annum.
The Sandringham Golf Driving Range, set on 60,000 square metres, is open every day. It has floodlit practice facilities to suit golfers of all skill levels. It has a putting rink, several bunkers and a licensed cafe, Birdies. Members of the Sandringham Golfing Academy train onsite.
Other activities include demo nights, corporate golf days and social events.
