Game plan to transform a former golf course into community asset

City leaders have revealed their vision to transform Sunderland’s old Elemore Golf Course into a community asset.

The green space sits within the Hetton ward and is a circa 60-hectare site which is allocated in open countryside.

As part of Sunderland City Council’s latest budget plans, funding has been allocated for the ‘Elemore Green Space and Social Enterprise Development’.

This aims to provide a feasibility study, including consultation, to look at potential opportunities for the former golf course.

Following the completion of the study and subject to external funding, the council plans to undertake improvement works at the golf club, car park and adjacent green space.

According to a recent budget report, this will enable a social enterprise to become mobilised on-site, delivering initially from the refurbished golf clubhouse.

At a recent meeting of full council, deputy council leader, councillor Paul Stewart, gave an update on the project.

“I’m really delighted to offer an update on some of the exciting and positive progress on a site that has the potential for many uses which create a useable green space as well as protecting the natural habitat for future generations,” he said.

While the council continues to work through the plans, some potential developments on the former golf course site include:

Developing ‘pocket forests’ that would be owned by schools and community groups.

Social enterprises developing training opportunities, including a cafe.

A visitor and exhibition centre highlighting the history of the area.

A garden centre growing vegetables and plants to sell to the local community.

A community garden and allotments on part of the site.

Enhancing walking and cycling routes.

Developing cycling provision and potential cycle hire facilities.

Mini festivals operated and arranged by local social enterprises and cooperatives using the open green space, proposed cafe and visitor centre.

For more information or to give your views on the plans, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17777/Let-s-Talk-Elemore