Plans to develop the Hulton Park Estate in Bolton into a major golf resort destination capable of hosting the Ryder Cup have been revised by owners Peel Land & Property.
In 2020, Peel L&P secured planning permission for the development, which included a new golf course capable of hosting national and international events. Since then, the project team has reviewed the feedback received from the local community and project partners during and since previous consultations, to consider how it can bring forward a development that better reflects local aspirations for Hulton Park.
Peel L&P has now unveiled a refreshed vision for Hulton Park, which seeks to breathe new life into the historic estate through a ‘park of three parts’ comprised of new community facilities, improved public access to green spaces and new villages set around the restored parkland landscape and a new international standard golf resort.
The new draft masterplan is now being consulted upon to seek the views of the local community and various other organisations engaged in the project. Following the consultation, the intention is to finalise the plan and submit a revised planning application to Bolton Council.
A number of important changes are being proposed in response to feedback. These include greater public access to the Hulton Park Estate, which is not currently accessible to the community, with new walking and cycling routes. Additional community facilities are also proposed, including a health and wellbeing centre and a community food and drink hub.
A reduced number of new homes are proposed in the areas of the estate designated as Green Belt and Registered Park and Garden, more of which is proposed to be retained as parkland for the benefit of the local community and environment. The new homes feature a range of sizes and styles, including affordable properties, designed to meet a wide range of local housing needs. A new nature park and enhanced green spaces will also be delivered, alongside a commitment to net zero carbon.
The construction of a championship golf course capable of hosting major professional tournaments remains part of the plans. The resort has been shortlisted as a potential venue as part of England’s bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2031 or 2035. It follows a feasibility study, jointly-led by Ryder Cup Europe and UK Sport, which appraised the suitability of a number of venues across England, as part of Ryder Cup Europe’s wider consultation process to find European host countries and venues for both future editions of the biennial contest.
The feasibility study concluded that the planned Peel L&P development has the potential to meet the required criteria for hosting a future edition of the Ryder Cup, and it will therefore be one of the shortlisted courses for England’s bid for the 2031 and 2035 events. Ryder Cup Europe is not expected to make a decision on the chosen host countries until later this year.
Richard Knight, Peel L&P’s Director of Land and Communities, said: “Following the Government’s approval in July last year, we have taken the time to reflect on feedback received from the local community and our project partners. We recognise the importance of access to the Hulton Park Estate and our refreshed vision aims to ensure that local people are able to enjoy the Park in a way they have never been able to and for generations to come.
“Our ambition is to create the best new lifestyle community in the UK and Europe, embracing the principles of zero-carbon, connectivity and inclusivity. The plans present a unique opportunity to deliver an iconic modern sporting venue, visitor destination and parkland community fit for the 21st century.
“We are keen to demonstrate the transformative potential of the plans to the local community and look forward to hearing their views. Local knowledge is invaluable to us and will ensure that we can refine and deliver something very special for the local area.”
A public consultation has now launched on the updated scheme, which will run from June 2-23, 2021. During this time, residents and interested parties can ask questions and submit feedback by visiting www.hultonparkconsultation.co.uk, where they will find a feedback form.