Shropshire Council owns and runs a dedicated pitch and putt course adjacent to its wider municipal 12-hole golf course in Shrewsbury.

The pitch and putt course is an open green space area of approximately 4 acres.  It is located between Meole Brace roundabout and Bannatyne Health Club.

In recent years the pitch and putt course has seen a decline in use.  The overall usage of the facility is down by a 1,000 visits in the last four years (from a peak of 2,590 in 2011).

Specific operating costs for the pitch and putt course are difficult to quantify as the majority of costs (grounds maintenance, management and utilities) are combined within contracts and service level agreements relating to the golf course as a whole.

The Council is continuing to rationalise its estate in accordance with its current Asset Management Strategy and is targeting the release of certain non-core assets which don’t support its overall corporate objectives. The pitch and putt course is potentially one of these assets, although it is important to stress that no final decision has yet been made.

For more background to this consultation and to see the 30 November 2016 Cabinet report setting out the options take a look at the information on our committee services website. 

This consultation sets out three options for the future of the pitch and putt course. 

Option 1 – Sale

Due to the location and potential attractiveness of the site, being separate from the main course, the pitch and putt course could be considered separately in the context of a potential closure.  This in turn could then present an opportunity for disposal with the potential to generate a capital receipt.  Further work would be needed subject to the findings of the consultation but the professional property advice confirms the site would be attractive for alternative use in the market place.

Option 2 – Ongoing management by Shropshire Council

The Council could continue to operate and subsidise the facility.  It is considered that within this option, investment will be required in both improving the facility and in better promoting it to local residents. This option would not necessarily preclude any alternative ownership or management arrangements being considered in the future, for example management by a third party operator.

Option 3 – Alternative community use

Finally, there may be an alternative use for the site that will provide long-term benefit to the local community. In this respect it should be noted that the site has previously been registered as an Asset of Community Value. Find out more about Assets of Community Value. 

The Council’s current preferred option, option 1, is to dispose of the site because of its potential to generate a capital receipt. However, as explained above, no final decision has been taken.

The aim of this consultation is to gather public opinion on the options.

Before a final decision is taken by the Council Cabinet we will consider the responses to the consultation and take its outcome into account. 

This consultation only considers the future of the pitch and putt course; the future of the adjacent 12-hole municipal golf course is not under consideration.

To take part, please read through the proposals first, then click on the "How to get involved" tab above to access our short survey.

Copies of the Consultation are also available from the Meole Brace Golf Shop.

Cabinet agreed to put the site up for sale.