Pacific Dunes Country Club & The Greenhouse Officially Opened

As featured in the Port Stephens Examiner, 10th March.

By Ellie-Marie Watts;

WITH a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, the next stage in Pacific Dunes’ development – The Greenhouse – was officially opened on Thursday.

The $3 million state-of-the-art country club, restaurant and events venue was described as a “taste of everything Pacific Dunes stands for” by its chief executive officer David Wightman.

“Residents and visitors can come and relax, eat and celebrate at The Greenhouse,” Mr Wightman said.

“The business of golf is changing rapidly.

“Pacific Dunes now has so much more to offer than just golfing and residential.”

Work on building The Greenhouse began in July 2015.

It was officially opened on Thursday, March 10.

The Greenhouse, a dining, bar and events venue within Pacific Dunes, was officially opened on March 10. Pictures: Ellie-Marie Watts
As well as acting as the clubhouse for golfers, The Greenhouse features the now much larger pro shop, a 200-seat function centre, bar and a restaurant with inside and outside dining.

Breakfast and lunch will be available seven days, and dinner between Thursday and Sunday.

There will be live music on the terrace on Sunday afternoons.

The Greenhouse has been designed to be one of the Port’s most environmentally sustainable buildings.

The building’s air conditioning is run off a geothermal heat pump system, involving the use of bores and a network of pipes more than 80 metres below, which will deliver energy savings of up to 60 per cent.

Pool heating and hot water is linked to the geothermal system.

All fixtures and fittings attached to The Greenhouse are designed to reduce water consumption. Energy-efficient lighting has also been installed throughout the building.

Mr Wightman said the environmentally sustainable design features would significantly reduce energy consumption and long-term operational costs.

Graeme Valler, chairman of the Pacific Dunes community association, said the opening was a “day of celebration”.

“RCL [owners of Pacific Dunes] delivered on what we expected,” Mr Valler said.

“The facility is second to none and adds to the opportunities around Medowie and the Port Stephens area.

“It’s another place for people to go; a place for people who enjoy golfing to enjoy.”