Developer Green Circle Leisure unveils new plans for £20m redevelopment of former Liverpool municipal golf course after previous plans were rejected. Tony McDonough reports

Green Circle Leisure has returned with a new vision for the former Liverpool municipal golf course after previous plans were rejected.

Costing around £20m, the proposals for the future of the Kirkby Valley Golf Course aim to create the region’s first ‘Total Golf’ attraction. With its new plans Green Circle aims to minimise the impact on Knowsley’s green belt.

This new masterplan, designed by international course architects, International Design Group (IDG ) and Brock Carmichael Architects, will provide:

• An improved 18-hole Championship course with reshaped greens, tees and new irrigation and drainage system to guarantee all-your-round playability.
• A 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 and state-of-the-art two tier driving range, including golf simulation and teaching spaces to teach and develop key golf skills.

Green Circle’s director of Golf David Goscombe said: “The original planning application envisaged the creation of additional sporting facilities including tennis courts, soccer-fives pitches and a bowling green

“But there was concern that this would impact adversely on the greenbelt and the sense of openness which is an important aspect of the site.

“As a result we have undertaken a major review of the project and decided to focus on the golf facilities to realise the unique potential of the site to create the best possible golf destination.”

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The review of the masterplan has also involved a complete redesign of the proposed new clubhouse, which includes the golf-shop, bar and restaurant, and first-floor function space.

The revised plans have been well received by key consultees including Sport England and Natural England. Green Circle will now seek approval by Knowsley Council before the end of the year, with work due to commence in spring 2024.