Pegasus Golf Course: Mayor wants talks with Wolfbrook over housing plan
Dame Lydia Ko pictured teeing off on the 10th hole during the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Golf Open, held at the Pegasus Golf Course in 2012. Photo / Photosport
Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon says he hopes to meet with the new owners of the Pegasus Golf Course to “obtain a better understanding of their intentions”.
Gordon issued a statement today after it was confirmed on Friday that the course had been bought by property development group Wolfbrook, after the previous owner was placed in liquidation.
Gordon says he hopes the new owner “honours the vision Bob Robertson [Pegasus founder] had for this area. It’s what attracted many people to Pegasus and what makes it the special place that it is. In my view, the golf course and the lake are particular features strongly valued by the community”.
Wolfbrook issued its own statement on Friday, announcing that it intends to seek rezoning of the golf course in order to build homes on the land.
Gordon says to his understanding there have been no information requests and/or approaches to council about any rezoning. The mayor also points out that “if the new owner wishes to change its use, they would either need to apply for a private plan change or apply as a fast-track proposal”.
“Whichever pathway they pursue, any future plans need to involve hearing feedback and taking on board input from the community – such as the Pegasus Residents Group, community board and [the] council,” Gordon said.
The council will help the community make sure their voice is heard, he said.
He said he and his council will be “listening to and standing up for residents”.
The Pegasus Golf Course opened in late 2009, before closing its doors in March this year. Since then, a group of residents known as the Pegasus guardians have been maintaining the course and contributing to the cost of a greenkeeper.
Gordon says that will be discussed with Wolfbrook when he meets with the company.
“I will also discuss the interim maintenance of the existing golf course as well as proposals from the community to help look after it,” Gordon said.
Wolfbrook CEO Guy Randall said on Friday that his company would allow the golf course to remain open free of charge for a short period following settlement day.
Residents of Pegasus are understood to be considering their options.