Knowsley Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of Kirkby Valley Golf Course to transform the facility into a modern golfing destination.
Plans submitted by applicants L32 Trading Ltd include a reconfiguration of the current 18-hole course on Ingoe Lane and the creation of a new 9-hole course to the south west of the site.
The plans for new facilities include:
- The erection of a two-storey clubhouse, comprising bar and restaurant facilities, toilets, a golf shop, changing rooms, training rooms and function rooms
- The change of use and extension of the existing clubhouse to accommodate a golf training academy, training spaces, a café and overnight accommodation
- A new two-storey golf driving range with associated lighting and netting, providing 32 driving range bays across two floors
- The creation of an adventure golf course and practice putting green to the south west of the site
- The extension of the car parking provision to create an additional 257 spaces to serve the proposed facilities.
It is estimated that 65 jobs would be created during construction of the new facilities and the completed development has the potential to create approximately 93 new part time jobs in a variety of roles, which the applicant has stated equates to an equivalent of 67 full time roles.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “This exciting scheme will create new jobs and deliver economic benefits to Kirkby and the wider borough. The plans will transform the existing facility into a modern, fit-for-purpose golf destination which will inevitably attract new members as well as visitors from far and wide. The golf course was founded in 1928 and I’m confident these plans will provide a bright future for the facility for many years to come.”
Planning permission has been granted subject to the application not being called in by the Secretary of State for a public inquiry. You can find the full planning report here.