The future of Moors Valley Golf Course is looking bright. Private sector operators are being invited to submit their proposals to lease the 18 hole municipal golf course from East Dorset District Council.
The 6,337 yard course was designed by Hawtree golf course architects and is beautifully set within Moors Valley Country Park which extends to over 250 acres. It includes a four hole practice course and greenkeepers complex. Also to be included in the lease will be part of, or the whole clubhouse which hosts a golf shop, reception and bar and provides catering and changing facilities for players.
Moors Valley Golf Course is currently run by East Dorset District Council and part of the clubhouse is leased to Moors Valley Golf Club. The Council’s primary objective is to secure the long term prosperity of Moors Valley Golf Course.
Following an independent review of its future running, the Council has decided to invite proposals from suitably experienced private sector organisations to lease the operation. Councillor David Durley said, “It is important that a thriving golf course is maintained for the future use of all golfing enthusiasts in the area”.
In particular, East Dorset District Council wishes to ensure that the golf course remains open to the public on a pay and play basis as well as continuing to provide season tickets at a fair price. All proposals will be carefully judged against these criteria.
To maintain the competitiveness of Moors Valley Golf Course, investment in the existing facilities and specialist management is required, and this can best be provided by an experienced private operator.
Mark Smith, an independent chartered surveyor and golf property advisor said, “Running golf courses is not a ‘core business’ of local authorities and, in addition, many courses need substantial capital investment which councils find hard to produce given budget constraints. Getting a specialist private sector operator to run the golf business and commit to the required future capital expenditure programme is a good solution.”
East Dorset District Council developed Moors Valley Country Park and the Golf Course in the late 1980’s, and the park now attracts around 700,000 visitors per annum, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the south of England.
It is anticipated that the chosen operator will take over the management of Moors Valley Golf Course in the spring of 2007. Initial interest should be expressed by 8th November 2006 to Mark Smith on 01722 742277 or mark@smithleisure.com
Moors Valley Golf www.moors-valley.co.uk/golf
Private sector invited to lease public golf course
