On 10th May British Ensign Golf Limited joined forces with Charlie Parker, who previously led the management buy out of The Club Company, backed by Legal & General Ventures, and has worked in the UK leisure industry for over 15 years.
Under the new trading name of Country Club Group ( “CCG”), and following the granting of various planning consents, CCG intends to convert the existing golf clubs owned by the group, including the prestigious Mill Ride in Ascot, into modern Country Clubs featuring the very latest facilities for members including gyms, studios, pools, spas, crèches, upgraded changing rooms, improved golf facilities and new bars and restaurant areas.
Plans are advanced at Slinfold Park Golf Club, Slinfold, West Sussex; where the development is anticipated to begin in 2008 with completion scheduled for the first half of 2009.
At Cranleigh Country Club, Cranleigh, Surrey; a multi million pound refurbishment will take place during 2008 with completion scheduled for the first half of 2009.
At Mill Ride Golf Club, Ascot, plans are also in place to diversify the clubs leisure offering with a brand new multi million pound Clubhouse to complement the existing championship golf course.
Plans are also well advanced at Kent National, Brenchley, Nr Tonbridge and at Mid Sussex, Ditchling, for significant investment and development.
In total the CCG is committed to expenditure on the existing portfolio of over £15 million over the next two years.
In addition CCG will be actively seeking to acquire further golf clubs that can be developed into the country club model.
Commenting on the deal, Peter Blacker, managing director of British Ensign Estates, said, “We’re delighted to join forces with Charlie Parker and are looking forward to developing and growing the business both organically and through acquisitions.”
Commenting on the deal, Charlie Parker, chief executive of CCG said, “We are pleased that this new partnership has finally been completed. With the resources we now have, CCG can continue to grow and develop its first class leisure facilities. We are convinced that the business will thrive with the benefits being felt by all our members, customers and staff alike.”
Country Club Group www.countryclubgroup.co.uk