Kirkby Valley Golf Course is set for a complete site overhaul now that its £20 million redevelopment plans have been approved by local councillors.
And 106 permanent jobs as well as many apprenticeship opportunities for young adults are set to be made available as a result to this development taking place on the current 18-hole course.
The redevelopment will see an additional nine-hole course installed next to the already present course, as well as a new two-storey clubhouse, featuring a bar, restaurant and function space.
Kirkby Golf Course was founded in 1928 and is the 198-acre complex is owned by Michael Hanlon.
He is incredibly proud of these redevelopment plans and is excited for what the future holds for the course.
He said: “I’m so relieved, these plans are going to take the golfing complex to the next level and is a testament to the hard work of so many, off course I’m still touching wood until the redevelopments become reality.
“But so far everything has gone as well as we could’ve hoped.”
The current clubhouse is set to be transformed into a training academy, which will be installed with overnight accommodation for golf professionals.
Retail assistant at the course Phil Roper can’t wait to see the results of the redevelopment.
He said: “It’s incredible, when I first saw the plans, I couldn’t quite believe it, the whole place is going to be unrecognisable and off course the jobs on offer is going to be a great thing for the area, I’m really excited to see the plans become a reality.”
Work is set to begin in spring 2025 and the aim is for the redevelopment to be completed in time for the course’s centenary anniversary of 2027/28.
It is hoped this will have a positive effect on the Knowsley community and this is at the forefront of their minds with Kirkby Valley pledging to provide opportunities for local schools as well as disadvantaged groups in the area.
Local councillor Tony Brennan said:: “This exciting scheme will create new jobs and deliver economic benefits to Kirkby and the wider region.”
