Public exhibition announced on remodelling plans for Brynhill Golf Club
Proposals to remodel an 18-hole golf course in Barry to create a new, multi-purpose clubhouse facility and adjacent residential development will go on public display at an exhibition in mid-January.
The proposals, being put forward by Brynhill Golf Club, will see a parcel of land near the A4050 Port Road East set aside for new housing, while additional currently unused land, in the ownership of the club, will be integrated into a new 18-hole course layout.
The proposals will enable Brynhill to secure its financial future at the same time as improving playing facilities and developing a modern clubhouse facility that can be used by both club members and the local community.
Brynhill Golf Club Captain, Stephen Jones said: “As with many traditional members clubs across the UK, Brynhill is experiencing significant financial difficulties, with several factors impacting on the club’s ability to maintain its current operations. These proposals will enable us to make vital improvements to both the course and the clubhouse by using land already owned by the club in a different way. There is simply no way the club could raise the capital to make this kind of investment and the alternatives, which include reducing staff numbers, cutting spending on maintenance or increasing membership fees for adults and juniors, are not in the best interest of the club, its members or the local community.”
After a competitive process, Redrow Homes was selected by the club as its preferred partner. If approved, following a period of consultation with the local community and club members - including the public exhibition of the plans - Redrow and the club intend to submit a planning application for the housing scheme, together with the remodelling of the course and the construction of the new clubhouse.
A Redrow Homes spokesperson said: “Redrow has experience of delivering similar schemes and has a number of sites in the region at various stages of development. Our aim is to take forward the best possible scheme, which will include around 180 new homes, as well as an improved junction with the A4050 and areas of public open space, while minimising any impact on the local community.
“If the proposals are given the go ahead then not only will the club have a secure financial future and enhanced facilities, but much-needed quality family housing will be provided for this part of Barry. The residential development will also create around 250 construction jobs over the build period, while securing more than twice this number in businesses involved in the supply chain, all of which are desperately needed in the current economic conditions.”
Three of the existing holes, along with the current clubhouse and car park, will form the site of the new housing development which will border existing residential areas to the south of the course – a site that represents less than 8% of the clubs total landholding. The reconfiguration will be overseen by experienced golf course designers WellerMcEvoy and will create two sets of nine holes both returning to the new clubhouse and a full length buggy path that can be used all year round. It will also be a safer layout, where golfers will always be playing away from houses.
Full details of the proposals, including a draft master plan of the proposed housing scheme and new 18-hole course layout, will be made available at the public exhibition between the 20th and 21st January in the Brynhill Golf club house. Further information and timings will be published on the club’s website at www.brynhillgolfclub.co.uk
“Brynhill is one of the oldest surviving members clubs in Wales, a popular destination for visiting golfers and a hotbed for developing local talent,” added Mr Jones. “Our forward-thinking policies of encouraging more women and young people to take up the game have been recognised by both golfing and government bodies but the club needs these proposals to come to fruition if we are going to be able to carry on this work.”
For more information contact Antony Jones or Kirsty Callingham at Freshwater on 029 20545387 or email antony.jones@freshwater-uk.com