The project involved developing nine lots of residential land on the northern corner section of the course off Golf Links Road, and a planning permit has now been issued by Council, giving the project the green light.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said he was pleased to see investor confidence continue to build in the region, especially with the addition of nine residential lots to Ararat's housing market.

"Ararat is only two hours away from Melbourne and with the pandemic, more people are leaving Melbourne to regional areas because of the freedom and liveability that a rural lifestyle offers," Dr Harrison said.

"Resolving the housing shortage requires more homes to be developed. The partnership between Chalambar Golf Club and Villawood Properties to develop residential blocks will support our growing population, while giving the golf club a cash boost to future-proof the facility."

Dr Harrison and Mayor Jo Armstrong congratulated Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club President Charlie de Fegely and Villawood Properties' Justin Lange on the success of the first stage of the Chalambar Links Estate development.

Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club President Charlie de Fegely said there was pressure on the golf club, which employs about 15 local staff, to maintain the facility and attract new members.

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"Golf as a sport is facing a shift in popularity and player participation due to people being time-poor. We once would have 200 players on a Saturday and now we're averaging about 50-100 players," Mr de Fegely said.

"We've been working on plans to future-proof the club and make it more accessible to the community, part of this plan is the housing development to get us out of a rough patch.

"Villawood came on board towards the end of last year to work with us - their assistance couldn't be better.

"We received the green light from the members and community to develop the first stage of land which included nine lots and looking to continue this partnership.

"At the end of the day, this development opportunity helps us boost our income and maintain the golf club, which is a vital asset for the Ararat community.

"The Club represents so much more than golf, there's nothing quite like the resort in our region. Chally's Bar and Bistro is a great spot for a meal and brings people together, especially with our bingo and quiz nights."

Villawood Properties' Regional General Manager Julian Perez is pleased with the partnership formed with Ararat's Chalambar Golf Club to build a new community on part of the course while serving the needs of a rapidly growing housing market.

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"It's been fantastic to work with Chalambar Golf Club and Council on a project that will not only secures the Club's future but creates a unique place to live in Ararat," Mr Perez said.

"Residents of the Chalambar Links Estate will enjoy an enviable lifestyle with easy access to the golf course, beautiful walking and mountain bike tracks, views of the mountains and it's only minutes away from town.

"We chose an area of the course that allowed us to develop land easily and with little modification to the course.

"Preliminary plans for additional blocks are in the works and will be revealed to members later this spring. People can contact the local Elders team or visit the Chalambar Links Estate website to register their interest for future developments.

"We want to see Ararat's renowned livability retained and enable the golf club to continue serving the needs of the local community."

Villawood Properties are the project managers with Elders Real Estate Ararat appointed as the selling agent for the estate.

Visit Chalambar Links Estate to find out more information on the development.

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