A historic Perth golf course could be reduced to nine holes to make way for dozens of homes and a community hub.
The 18-hole Craigie Hill Golf Club course has existed for more than 100 years.
However, in recent years the club has seen its membership numbers decline and has struggled to make a profit.
Plans to overhaul the course, near Glasgow Road, date back five years. Club members voted overwhelmingly to reduce the size of the course in December 2019.
Now fresh plans brought forward show a proposed layout.
These includes a new community hub which would encourage outdoor activities such as orienteering, mountain biking and woodland experiences.
The hope is this “breathes new life” into the nearby Buckie Braes woodland and creates routes to St Magdalene’s Hill.
The north half of the course could be used for more than 100 homes, subject to planning permission.
Creating a ‘lasting legacy’ for Craigie Hill
Craigie Hill transition committee spokesman Dave Mitchell said club members are up to speed with the plans.
He said: “The response from members to the project has been very encouraging. Now we are preparing a timetable for public consultation.
“The key driver has been securing the future of a club which has been part of the city fabric since 1911 for existing golfers and generations to come.
“By embracing exciting plans for a high quality nine-hole golf course that would be enjoyable and attractive for all ages and abilities, we quickly recognised the opportunity to create a lasting legacy with our land which would benefit the wider community.”
Timeline for plans
Earlier this year the Hill secured Community Amateur Sports Club status, establishing it as a not-for-profit business.
Sports and leisure and consultants PMR Leisure will lead the public consultation process.
The transition committee is confident they will tee off on breaking ground on the project in 2025.
Tayside civil engineering firm Kilmac is working with the golf club to progress the development.
Mr Mitchell adds: “We have always recognised that listening to the local community and our stakeholders was paramount to this process as they help us shape our future provision.
“We want our whole community to be part of the future of what we do, providing facilities for all.
“We will fully redevelop our clubhouse for local community and sporting needs.”
Engagement with woodland and golf bodies
The team has been advised by Perth and Kinross Council’s Community Development Team and has been liaising with South Perth Community Greenspaces, Tayside Trail Association.
The golf club has been liaising with adjacent landowners, including the local authority and Moncreiffe Estates, to secure access rights.
The club is also engaging with Scottish Golf, The R&A and sportscotland.
“There is huge potential in the proposals to create a much-needed community hub and far-reaching leisure opportunities which will benefit residents and visitors to Perth long into the future,” said Alison Fisher, vice-chair of the South Perth Green Spaces Group.
“We want to enhance the greenspace network and community woodland offering in and around the Fair City.
“We look forward to working with the Craigie Hill team on this exciting project.”
Conversation