Member Article

Golden Bear partners with Wirral for resort scheme

Jack Nicklaus, who has won the highest number of Major titles in the history of golf, is set to confirmed as Wirral Council’s preferred development partner for a new world class resort.

The authority is backing a plan to establish Hoylake as the capital of England’s Golf Coast – which will move a step closer next week.

The council’s cabinet will receive an update on the progress of the proposed Hoylake Golf Resort and will be asked to approve a recommendation to name Nicklaus Joint Venture Group (NJVG) – spearheaded by 20-times major winner Jack Nicklaus – as the Council’s preferred partner on the project.

During his lengthy and hugely successful career, Jack Nicklaus was often referred to by his nickname – ‘The Golden Bear’.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Phil Davies, said: “The golf resort represents an opportunity to make Wirral the capital of England’s golf coast, attracting visitors from all over the world using Hoylake as the base for their golfing holidays.”

Jack Nicklaus said: “I am delighted that Wirral Council is recommending us as its partner for the golf resort in Hoylake. Hoylake has a rich history in the game of golf, being close to Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham St. Annes, and of course Royal Liverpool right next door.

“I know this is going to be a very special project in the Hoylake area which is going to add to the legacy of golf in Wirral. We’re looking forward to it very much and we can’t wait to get started.”

The plans for the golf resort include an 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a proposed top class Marriott hotel, including health and spa facilities and a clubhouse, and a ‘Links Academy’ where visitors can learn about the unique demands of playing links golf before embarking on a tour of the North West’s three championship links courses.

“Building a golf resort has long been one of the council’s objectives.” added Cllr Davies.

“Wirral already has the fastest growing visitor economy in the Liverpool City Region and we see the golf resort as a further chance for us to cement this position, building on the international profile Hoylake already has in the sport as the home of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

“Securing £250 million of private sector investment and increasing Wirral’s tourism economy to £450 million by 2020 are two of the pledges I made to Wirral residents last week and the golf resort proposal is key to us achieving those.”

The Open Championship at Hoylake in 2014 was attended by 202,000 people and generated more than £19 million to Wirral’s visitor economy. The Open in 2006 at Hoylake was attended by nearly 230,000 and remains a record for any Open Championship staged in England.

Council officers are recommending to Cabinet that the Nicklaus proposal best meets the aspirations outlined in the tender and should cabinet approve then further work will commence to further develop the schemes detail.

Latest statistics show that the tourism industry in Wirral is now worth £355 million, which represents an increase of 8.4% on the previous year’s figures.

It means that Wirral’s visitor economy is growing faster than other area within the city region. Wirral also outperformed all of its regional neighbours in terms of increases in the numbers of visitors and number of people employed in the sector.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .