New Clubhouse for Richmond Park Golf Course

02 February 2012

Richmond Park Golf Course has acquired planning permission for its new sustainable clubhouse. The new facilities, which include a café area and improved pro-shop are due to open in late 2012.

Glendale Golf first took on the lease for Richmond Park Golf Course in October 2004. The development of a new clubhouse was part of the initial contract agreement between Glendale Golf and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Planning permission for the new development was finally granted in December 2011 and the new facilities are expected to bring Richmond Park’s 36 hole Golf Course up to date with the latest advancements in golf course technology.

The new clubhouse development includes the demolition of the existing facilities at Roehampton Gate and the construction of new facilities at Chohole Gate on the south east corner of the course. The design for the new clubhouse was developed by architects at William Saunders who have a longstanding history of clubhouse development with Glendale Golf. In 2007 they designed the clubhouse and restaurant at Glendale Golf’s Duxbury Park Golf Course based in Chorley, Lancashire.

The new clubhouse will provide players and visitors with modern facilities to enjoy. This will include an improved reception area, function facilities, pro-shop, clubrooms, changing facilities and café with views over the course. A new car park is also being constructed providing 164 spaces for visitors. There are plans for a 20 bay driving range and a new academy golf course too, adding fresh challenges to Richmond Park’s two existing 18 hole courses.

The new facility will incorporate a variety of green technologies that will contribute to the achievement of a BREEAM rating of excellent. BREEAM ratings recognise the high standards of environmental sustainability in construction projects. These green technologies include photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps and a grey water recycling system. As a division of Glendale Managed Services the investment into technology with green credentials falls in line with Glendale Golf’s deeper green strategy and desire to be a trend setter of green advancement. Additionally the new development also features several ecological enhancements. The roof of the clubhouse will be made of acid grass allowing the gently sloping building to blend into the rolling landscape of the course. A wildlife pond will also be created in front of the clubhouse. The pond and surrounding area will help support local habitats and promoting conservation of the ecological landscape of the Richmond Royal Park.

“The new clubhouse will provide a nicer, more welcoming environment for our golfers to spend their time,” comments Brian Lafferty, Manager for Richmond Park Golf Course. “Hopefully the new clubhouse will appeal to existing players and attract new ones who want to take up the game.”

Minor disruption is expected on site as the work to the new clubhouse commences in spring 2012. However, Brian Lafferty is not too concerned about the impact this will have on footfall: “With two 18 hole courses available at Richmond Park there will always be enough space for our regular players to continue playing. By keeping our players and local residents informed about the progress of the clubhouse construction, we hope that they will be patient and join us in anticipating the finished product”