A not-for-profit leisure trust has been appointed to run council-owned golf courses at Hollingbury Park and Waterhall in Brighton & Hove.
The council’s cabinet has agreed to appoint Mytime Active to run the courses for 10 years from 1 April 2010. Councillors say the move would ensure the long-term future of the courses, improve golf development and mean better services for players.
Mytime Active beat four other bidders to win the deal. The company has promised to invest significant sums in green-keeping machinery, clubhouses and courses. It has experience running council golf courses for Bromley, Maidstone, Ealing and Bexley.
At present many different organisations run aspects of the courses. Earnings at both courses had dropped in recent years meaning the council subsidises them with taxpayers’ money. Under the new arrangement, a single company would provide a unified service across both courses.
Mytime Active has extensive experience of engaging with local communities to increase golf development.
Cabinet councillor for recreation David Smith said: “This company has a good track record of increasing the popularity and financial performance of council golf courses. This should mean better value for money for golfers and taxpayers alike.”
Steve Price, Mytime Active chief executive said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to manage these two Brighton & Hove golf courses and look forward to meeting staff and customers over the coming months. It will be business as usual as we work towards taking on the contract on April 1 2010 led by our dedicated golf team.”