Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking a new operator for Tapton Park Golf Course, a 27-hole pay-and-play facility situated on the edge of Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
HMH Golf & Leisure has been instructed to bring the property to market, with offers invited by January 11, 2024.
Tapton Park Golf Course, which originally opened in 1934, is laid out in mature parkland – formerly the grounds of Tapton House. The facilities comprise an 18-hole, 6,104-yard (par 72) golf course; 9 hole 2,613 yard (par 34) course; 6-hole pitch & putt course/foot golf course; 14-bay floodlit range, practice facilities and a 6,750 sq ft clubhouse.
Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Tapton Park Golf Course is a fantastic facility, which is why we are seeking a new and experienced operator to look after the courses and clubhouse, and meet the Council’s aim of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play the great game of golf.
We know the courses are already exceptionally popular with 39,000 rounds of golf played on average every year, which is a great base from which the right operator can build a successful revenue stream that will ensure that the facilities remain attractive and financially sustainable for many years to come.
The chosen operator will need to maintain Tapton Park Golf Course as a pay-to-play facility, meaning anyone can visit without a membership. They will also be expected to encourage participation in golf, work closely with the resident members’ club, and keep the courses and clubhouse to a high standard”.
A 25-year FRI lease is available, albeit Chesterfield Borough Council will consider granting a longer lease term, subject to certain conditions being met. Annual rental offers are invited.
Proposals for Tapton Park Golf Course will be evaluated not only on the proposed level of annual rent and capital investment, but also on how well interested operators are able to evidence their ability to meet the Council’s objectives, which include:
- To preserve the existing golf facilities for the benefit of local residents.
- To secure an experienced operator for the property.
- To encourage increased participation in golf.
- To ensure harmonious liaison with Tapton Park Golf Club
- To encourage additional community outreach programmes.
- To ensure the maintenance of the non-golf areas of Tapton Park to protect and conserve the natural environment and ecological character of the property.
For further information on Tapton Park Golf Course, please contact Ben Allen at HMH on 07887 804430 or email ben@hmhgolf.com