In late 2023, Alchemy took on its largest heritage restoration to date – the restoration of Barwon Heads Golf Club.
Since 1907 Barwon Heads Golf Club has been considered one of Australia’s best golf experiences, home to the first country club in Victoria.
Located on the idyllic Geelong Surf Coast, the heritage-listed country club and 18-hole course are regarded as one of Australia’s first true links courses.
With a long-famed history, one that put Barwon Heads on the map and influenced the development of the seaside town, the clubhouse has long been an icon of the town.
The Alchemy brief? Preserve its history, while preparing for the next 100 years.
The Alchemy solution? A balance of new build innovation, sensitive heritage restoration, and refined design that carefully preserves the club’s architectural DNA.
Set over multiple stages and work areas, the upgrades involved extensive internal demolition, civil works and services upgrades. Refurbishment works were undertaken to the majority of the building, including the women’s and men’s locker rooms, the dining room, foyer areas, guest rooms and back-of-house amenities, with a new section of the Clubhouse built to match and honour the long standing history of the iconic building.
Ranked as the number one public access course on mainland Australia in 2023, the clubhouse remained open and operational throughout the works, ensuring that all members and guests could enjoy the famed hospitality and views after a round.
Eighteen months later the results speak for itself – a landmark renewed through precision, collaboration, and craftsmanship.
Because this is what we do best. Honouring the past. Building for the future.