Dunbar Golf Club re-development gets approval

Dunbar Golf Club is delighted that East Lothian Council approved their plans for a redevelopment, which will see the creation of a Centre of Excellence for golf in East Central Scotland. The proposals support East Lothian Council's vision of creating a 'mecca for golf' and in turn will create 60 full and part time jobs and 54 equivalent jobs over the four year construction period.

The application, which was originally submitted in 2009 gained the support of Dunbar community council and 650 letters of community support as well as the endorsement of key agencies including clubgolf Scotland, Dunbar Trades Association, the PGA, the R&A, Lothian Golf Association, East Lothian Council Healthy Living Service and VisitScotland.

Janette Main, spokesperson for Dunbar Golf Club said:

"We are delighted that East Lothian Council has approved our application to re-develop the golf club and to help us realise our long held ambition and vision to create a Centre of Excellence for golf at Dunbar. East Lothian will now have world class facilities of which it can be proud, and we look forward to working with the council and local community to make the most of this crucial investment.

The process has been long and arduous but we are thrilled that approval has been granted, a decision that we believe reflects the vast amount of community support we have received. The commitment of those within the club has been truly tested over this period and it is wonderful that our members' hard fork, dedication and patience throughout this project has finally paid off"

The Dunbar Golf Club redevelopment will provide the best training facilities in East Central Scotland, creating a year round golf provision equipped with a golf academy, a new 9 hole practice course and a new clubhouse. The new academy facility aim to increase the participation of young people in the sport to help deliver the club golf National Strategy in line with the Scottish Government Strategy for Sport and East Lothian Council targets.

The new facilities will complement the existing championship golf course creating a world class visitor attraction, bringing approximately £1,000,000 extra revenue per annum to the area. The new facilities will also offer concessions to attract more young people to participate in the sport, giving Dunbar some of the best access policies in Scotland as well as opening ip the clubhouse and facilities to pay and play visitors.

"Following this approval we hope to be able to start work on the new facilities as soon as possible, to maximise the opportunities for the sport and the wider economy. The maximum construction period will be up to four years but we are confident that the new clubhouse can be completed in a much shorter timeframe, ready for the 2013 golf season."