A Nantwich college boss believes closing a local golf course to make way for expansion will benefit the town.
Meredydd David, principal of 7,500-student Reaseheath College, told Nantwich Town councillors all other avenues have been considered.
And he promised that new sporting facilities to be built on the 9-hole golf course in the college grounds would be open to the public, boosting the town’s provision.
Mr David said: “We have 30 coaches driving onto campus every day, there is increased demand for teaching space because of student growth.
“Therefore there is an increase in welfare issues, social provision and sporting facilities required. We need to be able to increase car parking and pedestrianise as well.
“Our horticulture and countryside facilities need significant investment. They are in poor condition.”
He said the college looked at expanding to the west off the A51 near the equine centre, and to the north near Old Hall Farm, but access and traffic issues ruled those options out.
“Ultimately, there are no other options but to develop on the course,” he added.
He also revealed the college has secured £8 million of capital funding from the Government for part of the development because of the college’s “strategic importance” in food production and food innovation.
But councillors raised concerns over the plans which will see around 300 members of Reaseheath golf club lose their course.
They also questioned future pricing policies if new Reaseheath sporting facilities were opened for public use.
Cllr David Marren said: “If these new sports facilities are for community use too, what will the pricing strategy be?”
Mr David pledged the new £5.6 million sports complex, which will include a 4G outdoor pitch, grass rugby pitches, indoor tennis courts, fitness suite and changing rooms, will be open for half of the hours available.
“Our pricing structure will be competitive with other facilities in the area,” he added.
“But also realistic so it is affordable and allows us to maintain the facilities. We also need to fund a new access road to the site off Worleston Road.”
He also said the college will help current golf club members find new clubs, negotiate preferential rates, and compensate them for loss of the course in 2014.
Cllr Norma Simpson suggested a plan to build a 9-hole course within the proposed Kingsley Field 1,000-home development on land between the A51 and Waterlode.
But the idea was dismissed by Mr David, who said a “land hungry” course would swallow 15-20 acres and would not be viable.
Recent Comments