Branston Golf & Country Club in East Staffordshire has unveiled a £1 million renovation of its facilities that has been carried out over the last five months.
Originally planned to take place over a five-year period, the renovations at the Burton-on-Trent venue have been fast-tracked during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The overhaul of the club comes following a management buy-out in December, with owners Steve Sharp, Francesca Sharp, Ben Laing, Abby Litting and Marcus Litting committing to long-term investment and development of the club’s facilities.
Managing Director Ben Laing, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic was devastating on all levels. The losses people have faced over the last 6-7 months have been inconceivable. When we were told to close our doors in March, we made the decision to make use of a time that we knew the club would be empty. We wanted to create a place that our members could really look forward to returning to.”
Among the renovations included an update to the reception area, where a dated, wooden and dim reception area has been widened, brightened and modernised with pale grey walls, white marble reception desk and contemporary lighting, and stylish sofas. Digital screens have been installed throughout to keep members informed on the latest news, as well as displaying golf, health & fitness and restaurant information.
The Clubhouse Bar & Restaurant, which overlooks the 18th hole, was given a complete overhaul. Serving food from breakfast through to evening meals, a new menu offers all the classic golf club staples, along with a wider range of healthy options. The restaurant also includes a bright and airy conservatory area and booths for private dining, while the new St Andrew’s Sports Bar and Terrace Room Restaurant will soon be open for booking by non-members, something the club has never done.
The mens and women’s changing rooms have also been completely refurbished, with new digital pin-code lockers, anti-slip flooring, slate feature walls, modern shower cubicles, Dyson hand dryers, backlit mirrors and widescreen TVs.
A new sauna and steam room has been added to Branston’s poolside offering, although members will have to wait government guidelines change before they can experience them. There have been measures put in place around the gym and spinning room to adhere to social distancing and sanitation stations at every other piece of equipment.
Additionally, rather than have to halve the class capacity, the club has made use of its event space in The Pavilion by holding socially-distanced classes there while the smaller classes stay over in the Studio. This has meant that they are still offering over 80 classes per week.
The driving range has been fully-kitted out with Toptracer, a shot-tracking technology that provides instant shot replays and statistical feedback on interactive game screens in the bay.
The club has also unveiled a new website that works for both current members and those looking for more information about the club, event space and weddings.
Tom Storrar, Branston’s Golf Manager, said: “The feedback from members since their return to the club has been overwhelmingly positive. The improvements were a huge surprise to some and they’re proud to be members of a club that is so dedicated to investing in it’s future.”
