New operator found for council golf courses

Last week (10 April) the council's Cabinet agreed a 65-year-long lease with the specialist golf facility management company to operate both sites, and in doing so has ensured residents will continue to have access to affordable golfing facilities at both venues. It will also provide the council with half a million-pound benefit by eliminating the subsidy previously required to run them and through the collection of annual rent.  

The Bournemouth-based company has experience in operating an 18-hole course, with driving range and adventure golf in Dorset.  

Across both sites, Iford Golf Centre is proposing a combined investment of around £4 million to make improvements to both clubhouse buildings, enhance playability of the courses, and they have ambitious plans to make the two sites community-focused and attractive to players of all abilities. 

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: "We are delighted to be joining with Iford Golf Centre to futureproof our borough's unique golfing offer for residents by them taking on these facilities with their expert knowledge. 

"We've been single-minded in our intent to safeguard these courses as golfing facilities for future generations. I hope this new partnership reinforces with residents our commitment to putting them first and continuing to deliver value for money. 

"By commissioning specialist operators like Ilford Golf Centre and our recent leases for our early year's centres and the Beck Theatre, we're ensuring that services are run more sustainably on our behalf."  

Luca Del Bianco, Director at DBB Sports, owners of Iford Golf Centre, said: "We are thrilled to be entrusted with these historic Hillingdon venues. Our vision goes far beyond traditional golf - we're creating inclusive community hubs that will transform how residents engage with these valuable green spaces.  

"The potential restoration of Uxbridge, combined with our plans to develop Haste Hill as a community hub, will create a network of accessible, sustainable facilities that serve everyone in the borough. It's about creating spaces where everyone in the community feels welcome, whether they're picking up a golf club for the first time or using our facilities for education and wellbeing activities." 

In January, the council made the decision to temporarily close Uxbridge Golf Course while the search for a new operator began. This followed a continued decline in player numbers at both sites during the past year, which was further hampered by consistently wet weather through 2024. 

Due to the low proportion of residents that use the courses it was considered they weren't delivering good value for money for residents. 

Terms have been agreed with Iford Golf Centre and Uxbridge is due to reopen as soon as the legal formalities have been completed.