Rudding Park in Yorkshire is to embark on a development project to create a new five-star country club within the 300-acre estate.
Planning has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for the new development, which is part of a wider plan that has been evolving since 2004.
The proposal includes the creation of a tennis facility, country club and a family facility, which will be rolled out in three phases. The development will require 75 extra staff and add £14m to the value of the local economy.
Rudding Park managing director Peter Banks said that the idea is to have a ‘five-star country club in Yorkshire’ that will add ‘at least £7m to turnover’ when complete.
He said: “The investment since the plan was formulated has been £21m, and we are expecting this new development to cost somewhere between £30-£40m. As with everything we do, our growth is organic as we need to borrow money on the open market and of course repay it. We are not a ‘trophy asset’ property, everything we do is sensibly and commercially considered.
Existing facilities on the property include a 90-bedroom hotel, the Clocktower Brasserie and a luxury spa, a Martin Hawtree designed 18-hole golf course, which first opened in 1995, and the 6-hole academy course. Accommodation is also offered in a range of luxury 2- and 3-bedroom lakeside lodges.
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the proposal at a later date.
This weekend (April 29) will see Golf Fest return to Rudding Park following its launch last year. The event aims to celebrate all things golf and will feature golf-themed games, music from DJ Mark Green, Range Bar Refreshments, a bouncy castle, hog roast and pizza. Aimed at people of all ages, regardless of golfing ability, tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for children.
