AMBITIOUS plans to radically upgrade facilities at one of Scotland’s most historic golf clubs have taken a step forward.
Proposals for Dunbar Golf Club, which dates back to 1856, include a brand-new clubhouse, a nine-hole short course, golf academy, driving range and new greenkeeper facilities.
Funding for the upgrades will come from 78 new homes built by CALA over two different sites at the course.
Discussions about development at the course have been ongoing for a number of years, with previous plans including the creation of a hotel, which will now not happen.
Phase one will see the construction of the clubhouse, golf academy and driving range along with 60 new homes to the south of the site, towards Deer Park Cemetery, while 18 homes will form phase two to the north, on land which includes the location of the current clubhouse.
Renowned practice G1 Architects is behind the designs for the £3.6m clubhouse, following on from celebrated projects at Castle Stuart Golf Links, Kingsbarns and the recently-opened clubhouse at Dumbarnie Links.
Jacky Montgomery, PGA director of golf at Dunbar Golf Club, was pleased to see the plans now with East Lothian Council.
He said: “Having these exciting new facilities will not only be a major benefit for our members and visitors, but it opens up significant opportunities for local people to get involved in golf and to enjoy the many health and well-being aspects of participating in the sport.
“From the driving range and academy, through to the short game practice area and the par 3 golf course, we are breaking down barriers into the game.
“It will also give us much greater scope to further develop the work we do with our local schools and community groups.”
The nine-hole par-three course is designed by RAW Golf Design – a practice formed by David J Russell and 1991 Masters Winner, Ian Woosnam.
Together, the duo has been involved in designing courses across the world from Archerfield and Islay to Bulgaria, Russia and St Kitts.
Tony Thomas, of APT Planning and Development, which is representing Dunbar Golf Club and CALA Homes, said: “These new facilities will provide a massive boost to the club and will produce many long term benefits such as attracting new participants to golf, growing golf tourism in the area and generating more permanent employment within the local community.
“The clubhouse and greenkeeper facilities were in need of renovation and the new academy driving range and short course will be a welcome addition to the current championship course.”
As well as an expected economic boost – through construction contracts and long-term employment opportunities created within the club’s staff team including hospitality, PGA services and greenkeeping – it is hoped the new facilities will ensure the long-term attraction of Dunbar Golf Club to the international visitor market and the valuable golf tourism spend, which also benefits local businesses including restaurants, hotels and taxi services.
Planning permission in principle for the development was initially granted in October 2015.
Since then, plans have been reviewed following a joint consultation held by Dunbar Golf Club and CALA Homes (East) in April 2019, when a proposed hotel was removed from the plans.
The developers are also expected to meet with the town’s community council in the near future.
Craig Lynes, managing director for CALA Homes (East), was keen to see the plans go ahead.
He said: “The enabling development proposals have been created in close collaboration with Dunbar Golf Club, council planners and the local community in order to maximise benefits for the club and the wider Dunbar area.
“This project has the potential to leave a powerful legacy, both in terms of sport and leisure – and local prosperity.
“It’s also an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to play a role in the next chapter of one of Scotland’s oldest golf clubs.”
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