£45million golf course development axed

Investment company UKAP, which retains a lease of the course at Stanley Park, has agreed with the local authority not to go ahead with the plans after costs skyrocketed over the last two years.

The developer had hoped to reduce the existing Alister MacKenzie-designed 18-hole course to nine holes in order to build a leisure park and holiday lodges.

But after the latest twist in the saga, there are now plans to turn the course into a “family golf centre”, while an alternative site is being sought for the adventure park.

“Following the community consultation and listening work we have done with the developer, and in light of the current economic circumstances, we have now agreed that the project is not suitable for the site on East Park Drive,” said council leader Lynn Williams.

• Golfer bit off playing partner’s nose

• Padraig Harrington fires OWGR warning

“This project will create over 100 jobs and bring in tens of millions of investment and is still being considered for another location in Blackpool, one that will already have been designated for commercial use.

“We will continue to work together to protect this investment and job creation for the town. The main elements of design and relevant issues from the consultation can then be transferred to an alternative site so that we can benefit from the work done to date.”

…