The report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the feedback from the Communities Scrutiny Group, which includes the endorsement of a golfing need at Edwalton Golf Course be acknowledged; and

b)    the utilisation of £0.05m of 2020/21 projected in-year budget efficiencies be allocated to undertake a further detailed technical risk assessment of the site and thereafter a further £0.25m for further master planning work, assuming the risks identified are not prohibitive so that a realistic and deliverable masterplan can be achieved for the site.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Borough Wide Leadership, Councillor Robinson, presented the report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services providing an update on the strategic review undertaken on Edwalton Golf Course (EGC).

Councillor Robinson reminded Cabinet of the importance of ensuring that all the Council’s assets were reviewed regularly, to ensure value for money and that residents’ needs were being met.  Councillor Robinson provided a brief overview of the timeline of the review and Cabinet noted that concerns had been raised regarding the usage of the course and income generation.  To address those issues, Knight, Kavanagh and Page (KKP) had been commissioned to produce a comprehensive two-stage report to consider if there was still a golfing need, together with options for the site itself, details of which were highlighted in the report.  Councillor Robinson advised that the report had been considered by the Communities Scrutiny Group (CSG) in January 2021, and the Group had agreed that the current arrangements could not continue, due to the cost to taxpayers, and that additional work was required to produce a Masterplan.  Cabinet noted that the CSG had agreed that some form of golfing provision should be maintained, including the driving range capacity.  In conclusion, Councillor Robinson reiterated that EGC was a key asset for the community and the Borough, and it was essential that the Council maximised the value of the site for everyone.    

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Upton reiterated the importance of the Council reviewing its assets and referred to the significance of EGC to the Borough.  Cabinet was advised that for some time, EGC had been operating at a significant annual loss of approximately £44k, which had to be covered by a revenue subsidy.  Councillor Upton stated that the current business model for EGC was not viable and it was both pragmatic and timely to review its usage, and the option appraisal work already undertaken had identified a continued demand for golfing provision, together with suggested investment in the asset,  to make it more commercially viable.  In conclusion, Councillor Upton advised that before any investment could be made, a technical Risk Assessment of the site and a detailed Masterplan should be produced. 

Councillor Robinson referred to importance of considering the options for this key, sensitive site going forward and the need to maximise the use of the facility and was pleased to note that the report acknowledged the need to maintain a golfing provision.  In conclusion, Councillor Robinson stated that the report had highlighted that the golfing provision might have to be tailored to meet the needs of golfers, which had changed considerably over recent years, in particularly during the pandemic, and the importance of the community facility was also acknowledged. 

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    the feedback from the Communities Scrutiny Group, which includes the endorsement of a golfing need at Edwalton Golf Course be acknowledged; and

b)    the utilisation of £0.05m of 2020/21 projected in-year budget efficiencies be allocated to undertake a further detailed technical risk assessment of the site and thereafter a further £0.25m for further master planning work, assuming the risks identified are not prohibitive so that a realistic and deliverable masterplan can be achieved for the site.