Wirral’s Cabinet have agreed the next stage in plans to build a championship links golf course, academy and resort.
Last month’s decision was deferred while more information was provided to cabinet members, including a presentation from potential operators Celtic Manor but the Cabinet has now given the ‘thumbs up’ for £600,000 to be invested in a series of surveys, geo-technical reports and further commercial and legal recommendations so the proposal can move ahead.
Cllr Phil Davies, Leader of Wirral Council said: “The Hoylake Golf Resort will be a major destination for visitors to Wirral from around the world. We will see a £190m development including a luxury resort and hotel destination together with the country’s only municipal golf course designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.’
Commenting on the deferral, Cllr Davies said: “We wanted to be satisfied our investment, only 0.3% of the overall development, represented good value for money so we took the extra time available. We are now looking forward to moving ahead to the next stage of this exciting scheme.
“I would like to stress once more, we will consult comprehensively with Wirral residents as the proposals and plans develop.’
In July 2015, Cabinet agreed to appoint the Joint Venture Group of legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus as its preferred development partner, and will now be asked to enter into a Framework Development Agreement, to enable the Jack Nicklaus Joint Venture Group to begin drawing up a comprehensive Funding Strategy, to be presented to Council at a later date.
The plans also include a luxury hotel, conference centre and Links Academy to support Wirral’s ambition to be the ‘Capital of UK Links Golf’.
Jack Nicklaus Group www.nicklaus.com