Belfast golf club seeking to move to the edge of the city two miles away - public views sought
Balmoral Golf Club is seeking the public’s views on its plans to relocate about two miles south.
The 18-hole club, based near the King’s Hall on the Lisburn Road, wants to move to a new 18-hole site bordering the River Lagan, west of the hamlet of Ballylesson and to the south-west of the Giant’s Ring.
It has been reported that its current site, neighbouring both the prosperous Balmoral Avenue area and the Taughmonagh estate, is to be turned into hundreds of homes.
According to an advert placed by the property firm Campbell Commercial, “Balmoral Golf Club will retain rights to play over the lands until any future development works commence”.
The club’s move to the new site would place it on the Newgrove Estate, on a new course designed by Paul McGinley – the former Ryder Cup captain.
A key part of the proposal is the restoration and extension of the listed building, Newgrove House, turning it into a clubhouse.
Newgrove House is a mid-18th century Georgian home surrounded by derelict farm buildings, which would also be brought back into use.
It would be the third golf course almost side-by-side, bordering the 27-hole Malone Golf Club which itself is next to the 18-hole Dunmurry Golf Club.
A consultation event is being held on June 18, when residents of the area are being invited to view the proposals and share their feedback.
A press release issued about the event describes the planned course as a “forward-thinking design” which “will meet the expectations of modern players while preserving the traditions and integrity of the game”.
It quoted Robert Conan, CEO of Dublin’s Merrion Property Group, as saying: “We have been working in partnership with the members of Balmoral Golf Club to facilitate a planned, smooth relocation to this new site.
"This consultation reflects our commitment to a transparent and inclusive approach to protecting both the future of Balmoral Golf Club and the environmental and historically significant landscape in Ballylesson.
“This project will deliver golfing, economic, environmental and social benefits and represents a significant investment in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, supporting regional growth and aligning with local tourism and community strategies.
"Balmoral Golf Club in its new location will contribute hugely to Northern Ireland’s reputation as a premier global golf tourist destination.”
The consultation day will be on Thursday, June 18 in Ballylesson Church, between 2pm - 7pm.
For more, see the website: ballylessonroad.consultationonline.co.uk .
The closing date for feedback is Thursday, July 16 at 5pm.