Allerton Golf Club in Liverpool set for major overhaul

The operator of Allerton Golf Club in Liverpool has unveiled plans to transform the facility, potentially boosting its appeal with golfers in the North West.

The plans propose a full refurbishment of the course’s Grade II-listed clubhouse, which will create a golf shop and courtyard bistro, in addition to a new restaurant and bar and a raised terrace with views of the 18th green. Improvements will also be made to the parking facilities.

If planning permission is granted, owner-operator Allerton Golf Club Trading Ltd, which took over the course six months ago on a 25-year lease, hopes to carry out the revamp in time for the new golfing season in April 2016.

The company’s director of golf, Jonathan Large, said: “When we took on this contract we said that we believed that pay for play facilities should be looking to match the best private golf clubs in terms of the quality of the course and the wider facilities, and we are now making that pledge a reality.

“The clubhouse urgently needs a significant upgrade and our plans will bring it right up to date and I am sure will be appreciated by everyone who plays here.”

The development represents the first step in a plan for major investment from Allerton Golf Trading Ltd, which is working with design group PGA Architects on a wider improvement project for the Liverpool course.

In the future, the owner-operator is aiming to introduce two par-five holes to make the course more challenging and increase its appeal to golfers. Allerton Golf Club Trading Ltd hopes to reveal its long-term plans in full before the end of 2015.

Councillor Tim Moore, the mayoral lead for sport, commented: “This is really positive news for golfers at Allerton and demonstrates the benefit of bringing in a partner to run the course and secure its future.

“We have had around £330m of funding taken away from us since 2010 and are having to make tough budget choices to prioritise services.

He added: “The submission of this planning application demonstrates a clear commitment to improve the facility and attract more users.”