More than 1,500 people have given their views on the future of Beacon Park’s golf course after it emerged the facility could be axed.
Lichfield District Council previously revealed it was looking at whether the course – which has foot and disc options along with traditional golf – could be repurposed to allow for better use of the space.
A consultation exercise took place after figures revealed that an average of 20 people a day use the facility.
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council told Lichfield Live that the long-term future of the site was now being explored.
“We had a really fantastic response to the engagement exercise regarding the future of the golf course, with more than 1,500 responses.
“Residents gave us some really helpful feedback and ideas on what use they would like the golf course area put to.
“Officers are now exploring the feasibility of some of these options and we look forward to being able to announce some exciting proposals in the near future.
“While we’re working through these options, the course will continue to operate for golf, crazy golf, foot and disc golf.”
Lichfield District Council spokesperson
The local authority’s deputy leader, Cllr Iain Eadie had previously spoken about the golf course, saying that “a third the park is only being used by a handful of people”.
Concerns over the future of the open space were eased by Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council who reassured residents that any change of use would not open the door for developers.
“We will absolutely not be letting anything get built on the land where the golf course is in Beacon Park.
“This is a positive opportunity to create community-led uses for what is a large portion of the park.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
It speaks volumes when the leader of the council has to give such an assurance. It implies that elsewhere they are doing something different.
To judge use over the last two years is hardly intelligent with the on going pandemic as a major cause. The same could be said for most of the shops in the country.
Do the analysis when normality returns. There are many more basic necessities for the council to address.
Has the council not thought about speaking to a group such as Caravan & Camping and turning it into an attraction for visitors to use as a fully serviced camping site?
300 camping units at £60 a night would bring in around from 1st April to 30th September extra income of around £2.5 – £3million
Added to that the added footfall in the city would help businesses
Just a thought
A camp site?! Worst suggestion yet.
I have to ask the question P why would it be a bad suggestion if it’s a revenue generator for the council and also for local businesses?
There are limited hotel rooms in the City and its a visitor attraction so how do you promote the visitor attraction without building more hotels?
Im truly interested on your rationale why you state its the worst suggestion
With camping sites come vehicular movements and lots of them. For pity’s sake, let people have some open space where they can walk and play freely and safely without breathing in exhaust fumes and worrying about their kids getting run over. Life is about more than money.
It’s obvious. Have you ever been to a park? Lichvegas sums it up for you.
@John Arrowsmith… What a great money raising idea!
If it works they could extend it to the football pitches and the flower beds. Let’s face it there is far too many PARKS in Lichfield, and the council is perminantly broke. Probably a few social houses would be good too; along with a ‘few’ five bed for the more affluent.
I honestly don’t understand this constant need to “do” something with open space. Why does it have to be turned into anything? Free, open space is its open virtue.
With the council’s obsession to build houses on any piece of unused land, there’s an even greater need for open, free space.
Maybe nice to see it ‘re-wild’ into a traditional English meadow slash mini nature reserve with some subtle all weather seating / picnic areas built in to it perhaps and encourage its use as a tranquil open natural space to enjoy for all. But please dont ‘develop’ this space. I fear some sort of garish assault course or go kart track being built as a way to improve leisure and revenue. Leave it as a open natural space. We dont have much of that sort space left.