Golfing centre to close after housing is approved
A family golf centre in Bannockburn is to permanently close after a £100 million housing development to be built the land was approved.
Stirling Council last month gave the go-ahead plans for the 800 new homes project by Tulloch Homes and Persimmon Homes, which covers 40 acres of land next to Pirnhall and Bannockburn.
As well as houses it includes a primary school, a park and ride facility and golf course.
Now, it has been confirmed that the Brucefields Family Golf Centre is to close permanently in the wake of the decision and as a result of declining membership.
The 9-hole course if located within the site plans.
The course, with driving range, golf shop and café is owned by Tulloch Homes, who joined with Persimmon Homes in promoting a residential development proposal as part of the South Stirling Gateway master plan.
Tulloch Homes chief executive, George Fraser said:“Scotland is experiencing a glut of golf courses shutting down and the future for Brucefields was unsustainable. Membership has declined in recent years which unfortunately is a familiar story.
“The course has been closed since lockdown in March and will not now reopen. We hope golfers will now join another of the clubs in the area. The staff have been notified and we express our sincere thanks to them for their service.
“It is anticipated construction work will start on site in early 2021.
“The 800-unit housing development will include some 200 affordable homes, for which there is an urgent identified need in the Stirling area.”
He added: ”We have owned and operated Brucefields since 2004. It was zoned for housing in the Local Plan and for the past ten years we have been liaising closely with Stirling Council on their commendable vision for a South Stirling Gateway project.
“We’re delighted that a fully integrated development plan promoted by Persimmon Homes has now received the green light and the council’s aspirations have been rewarded.
“The Gateway project will include an attractive ‘green corridor’. The project has been shaped by a framework of national and local planning policies and advice on creating successful, sustainable places. This recognises the contribution which well-designed development plays in contributing to this aim.
“The inward investment being committed will provide a significant boost to the local economy and we look forward to bringing new housing to the Stirling area.