Newcastle Golf Club members have supported a redesign of its course to create space for a retirement village developed by ex-Newcastle Mayor Jeff McCloy’s retirement vehicle at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

Over 80% of voting members were in favour of a masterplan submitted by course architects Harrison Golf, which proposed a six-hectare development site.

As we reported here, Principle Living, a joint entity between the former Mayor and village developer and property developer Stevens Group, had signed a preliminary agreement for the development, 17km north of the Newcastle CBD, in May last year.

Council and State development approval processes are still required, but course works are estimated to commence mid-2022, with an 18-24 month expected timeframe before completion.

The Club’s General Manger Christian Gillott said: “This is a significant day in the Club’s history, with members essentially creating a legacy for the Club and its future members, securing the Club’s long-term future and creating financial sustainability.”

Principle Living currently has three other villages across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.