Wellington Soldiers to Kick Off Major Developments

CEO Stephen Hodge says the vision stretches well beyond short-term upgrades, with planning already mapped out across the next several years.

“This year and the next few years, there’s a lot going on,” he says. “The plans are going to bring something spectacular.”

One of the major milestones already achieved is the Club’s amalgamation with Wellington Golf Club, with further planning underway for its future.

“That’s a seven-year roadmap,” says Stephen, noting it creates new opportunities for both members and the broader community.

Staged upgrades inside the Club

The first three stages of the redevelopment focus on improving core hospitality areas, including the bar and a brand-new kitchen.

Stephen says the scale of investment reflects the importance of food and hospitality to the Club’s future.

“It’s about two and a half million dollars for the outdoor gaming and the bar, and probably another 1.7 million for the brand-new kitchen,” he says.

The bistro design will feature open-front elements, including a pizza oven and a layout designed for both efficiency and visual appeal.

“The design is all open at the front… it’s quite spectacular,” he says. 

“It’s being designed to be easier to work in and to be a tremendous space visually.”

A strong family focus

A key theme throughout the redevelopment is creating spaces that appeal to families and younger generations.

“If you’re going to attract young people to be part of the Club, and to attract young people onto your board, you’ve got to have them coming into the Club,” says Stephen.

The next major stage will see the downstairs area, transformed into a family-oriented sports bar precinct.

“Downstairs will be a whole family-style sports bar,” says Stephen. 

“People can bring their kids, there’ll be a bigger play area, there’ll be food — it’s a family-orientated sports bar.”

This area will connect to newly acquired land behind the Club, allowing for the construction of a four-lane bowling green.

Community-first land acquisition

Stephen says the purchase of the adjacent community site was driven by a desire to not just provide additional community amenity, but also protect essential services. 

“It provides Medicare and government assistance services, including juvenile justice support,” he says.

To ensure those services could continue, the Club offered immediate support.

“We’ve given them free rent for 12 months,” says Stephen. “Having that community up there is very important.”

Funded through strong performance

Stephen says the entire redevelopment program — estimated between $15 million and $17 million over five to seven years — will be delivered without placing the Club under financial strain.

“We’re not going into huge debt, we’re building as the cash flow provides,” he says.

Looking ahead

With a supportive Board and a clear long-term vision, Stephen says the focus remains on building a Club that serves all generations.

“If you haven’t got a board that supports your vision, you’re in trouble,” he says. 

“Everyone might not agree with everything, but they support it — and that’s important.”