The Bedford Golf Course is located less than 5 miles from Bedford. With the current lease of the twenty year old ‘American style links course’ coming to an end in September 2008 the lease opportunity is available in the open market for a further ten year term.
Bedford Golf Course is a well established 18-hole golf course with modern, well appointed clubhouse and greenkeeper’s compound facility. It is sited on the edge of Biddenham village amongst a fairway housing development known as Great Denham Golf Village which, together with a number of water features, creates an attractive and testing golf facility.
The ‘Biddenham Loop’ is on the western side of Bedford with good access to the A428 and A421 which gives excellent access to the wider road network. Bedford station has a good First Capital Connect service to London.
Bedford’s population is in the region of 150,000. Within the Biddenham Loop plans for a further 2,400 new homes can only add to the catchment area of this course.
Golf course architect David Pottage designed the course. David is well known for a number of significant golf projects including the Edinburgh Course at Wentworth. The Bedford is 18 holes, par 72, SSS 72, measuring 6,478 yards and was intended to be a true test of golf for all standards of player with large tees and greens featuring four par fives, and four par threes.
The course has a fully automated irrigation system to tees, greens and approaches fed from the River Great Ouse or mains if required. The free draining sandy soil ensures that the course rarely closes due to rain.
The clubhouse facilities are in a single building close to the tarmac car park and include men’s and ladies’ changing rooms with electric showers and toilet facilities, pro-shop, secretary’s office, disabled WC, lounge bar, dining room for approximately 44 covers, kitchen and cold cellar.
Adjacent to the clubhouse there is a raised practice tee and practice area, and to the front of the clubhouse a practice putting green.
Greenkeeper’s Compound
An excellent large greenkeeper’s compound, well located to the centre of the course with its own separate access and enclosed hardstanding area. There is a central greenkeeper’s building with head greenkeeper’s office, changing rooms, disabled WC, canteen area, various stores, central workshop and materials store with two roller shutter doors. Separate spray and dry store, showers and wash down area including dirty water separation plant.
The Business
The Club is operated as a proprietary members club with green fee players and societies welcome. It has staged a number of major events including County and regular Pro-Am tournaments. It has also hosted the Euro Pro tour events.
Accounts are not available as the business is operated by the tenant. Bidwells, the sole letting agents, understand that the current membership and green fees are as follows:
Membership fees:
7 day members £795; 5 day members £560
Green Fees
Green fee rates are currently £40 during the week, £60 at the weekends.
The Lease
The landlord is offering a lease of the land and buildings on standard full repairing and insuring terms for ten years. A longer or shorter term may be considered, subject to the proposal. Rental offers are invited on the basis of an annual rent at a fixed sum, with reviews at five yearly intervals to market value; alternatively a base rent together with a turnover top up may be considered.
If potential operators would like to submit an offer for a management agreement basis rather than a lease the landlord would be prepared to consider this, depending on the terms offered.
Viewing and Further Information
All viewings are by prior appointment. To arrange a viewing or for further information please contact Jim Bryant at the sole letting agents, Bidwells, telephone 01223 559352, email jim.bryant@bidwells.co.uk
Bidwells www.bidwells.co.uk