Knowsley Council approves plan by Green Circle Leisure for the £20m redevelopment of the former Liverpool municipal golf course. Tony McDonough reports
Work will start in spring 2025 on the £20m redevelopment of former Liverpool municipal golf course now known as Kirkby Valley.
Councillors on Knowsley’s planning committee have approved Green Circle Leisure’s plans for the course close to Kirkby. Green Circle had originally submitted plans in 2021 but these have been revised in response to a public consultation.
Green Circle’s planning consultant, Richard Gee of Roman Summer, said: “It’s been a long process, but we are grateful to Knowsley Council planning officers who have worked with us to refine plans and ensure the best possible scheme.
“This will deliver one of the UK’s premier public pay and play golf destinations.”
Designed by international course architects, International Design Group (IDG) and Brock Carmichael Architects, the project will offer:
- An improved 18-hole Championship course with reshaped greens, tees and new irrigation and drainage system to guarantee all-your-round playability.
- A new 9-hole par 3 Academy course, ideal for younger golfers, beginners and those wanting a less physically and technically challenging game of golf.
- An 18-hole Adventure Golf Course to provide a fun, family-friendly and accessible version of the game alongside the more traditional formats.
- A new golf club-house, a two-tier driving range, including golf simulation and teaching spaces to teach and develop key golf skills.
Green Circle property director, Michael Hanlon, added: “Golf is at the core of our business and our TOTAL GOLF model is about breaking down barriers to participation and making the game as attractive, accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.
“Kirkby Valley is a unique asset, as it enables us to offer every format of the game in one location. This will be a ground-breaking development and completely unique in this region.”
Green Circle will be expanding its golf development and outreach programme as the new facilities offer expanded opportunities for participation, coaching and “get-into-golf” initiatives with local schools and prescribing golf sessions to promote better health.
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These plans also include a new clubhouse, with golf-shop, bar and restaurant, and first-floor function space. Brock Carmichael architect John Cassell, also said: “The new clubhouse and driving range buildings will provide first class social and leisure facilities.
“It was important that the design and materials of the buildings fitted in with the wider masterplan, and complimented the natural landscape and visual character of the course.”