Burhill Golf and Leisure (BGL), which owns and operates 10 UK golf venues, has announced the formation of a new business focused on the development of adventure golf and family leisure attractions.
The company, which operates Adventure Golf courses at two of its pay-and-play golf centres, and a third at the Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village in West Yorkshire is looking to expand its portfolio of adventure golf venues, as well as branching into alternative attraction-led activities such as indoor play and adventure climbing centres.
As part of the expansion plan, BGL Golf’s Operations Director, Hugh Knowles, will become Operations and Development Director of the newly formed Adventure Leisure Limited with a remit to rapidly expand the business and develop the team structure over the next five years.
Colin Mayes, BGL Chief Executive, said: “Adventure Golf has proved extremely successful for our business and we believe there is an opportunity for expansion both at our own golf centres and other commercial, non-golf venues. We have seen from our existing sites that the offer is very attractive to all age groups and is helping us attract customers back into golf.
“Leisure is forecast to account for nearly a quarter of total consumer spending by 2030 and our aim is to develop a variety of venues to meet this growing demand in the market.
“As the UK economy continues to emerge from recession, our aim is to offer more high quality facilities and customer service, at a competitive rate, to the growing number of people with greater disposable time and income for leisure pastimes. Activities that are relative low skill and that the whole family can participate in will only grow in popularity.”
Adventure Leisure is currently looking at a number of prospective sites, including more retail centre venues and council owned leisure parks. As well as adventure golf courses, Adventure Leisure is also looking at opportunities for indoor play and adventure climbing centres.
BGL, which is owned by members of the Guinness family, will open a fourth Pirate Island course at Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Nottingham, in July.
BGL is currently seeking a replacement for Hugh’s former role of Operations Director of its existing golf business.