Blackpool seeks to revitalise golf course

BLACKPOOL Council has awarded the management of the town’s 18-hole municipal golf course to a private company for the next 25 years – if it hits investment targets.

Mack Trading, based in Kent, was awarded the contract last week. It will take over the day-to-day running of Stanley Park Golf Course from the council.

The initial contract will last 10 years but will be extended by a further 15 if the operator invests at least £300,000 during the period.

The council said the search was spurred by the decline in income from the course and the need for investment and a sustainable long-term plan. It also wants to explore the possibilities of linking the course to corporate events in the town.

Under the terms of the deal Mack will pay the council at least £70,000 a year and agree a profit share arrangement if higher levels of income are achieved. The business already runs 10 other municipal courses and was a clear winner in a council evaluation comparing it with its rivals.

The council said: “Company A [Mack Trading], who operate ten municipal golf courses scored highly, with a subsequent visit to one of their courses and business meeting confirmed they are a suitable company with a wealth of experience and expertise in relation to golf course management and development and in particular the development of junior golf programmes.”

The course is owned by the council but leased by Blackpool Park Golf Club.