£1.6m investment tees up golf course for success

A West Midlands golf club has invested £1.6m in refurbishing its clubhouse, supported by a loan from Lloyds Bank, to secure the future of the venue for its members.

Walmley Golf Club, located in the New Hall Valley in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is an 18-hole parkland golf course, dating back to 1902. The business is primarily volunteer run, employing 14 staff. and several part time hospitality staff.

Thanks to a £500,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank, in addition to existing capital and loans from members, Walmley Golf Club has completely refurbished its clubhouse. It has benefitted from a full refit, the refurbishment of its changing rooms and new bars, including a Spike Bar, improving the facilities for members. The balcony has also been extended out and around the end of the building, to provide views across the course and New Hall Valley.

The clubhouse was constructed in 1965 and has only received minimal upgrades since. The addition of modern energy saving measures, including sensor lighting, a new boiler and insulation, will reduce the club's bills. A lift and refurbished disabled toilets will also help to make the space more accessible.

With the addition of a new catering team, the clubhouse has the space and expertise to offer a positive dining and event experience for members, visitors, and family occasions.

The club currently boasts around 650 members. It hopes the new facilities will help sustainably grow membership, with plans to add another 50 social and up to 30 playing members over the next year. It hopes this will help boost its £1m a year income.

Andy Mitchell, chairman of Walmley Golf Club, said: “The feedback from members on the new facilities has been overwhelmingly positive. The club is a key social destination for our members, especially local families, and seniors, and has been hugely important in providing opportunities for socialisation post-pandemic, when many were feeling quite isolated.

“Walmley Golf Club's board act as custodians to the club and it's our responsibility to ensure it prospers, so it's there for the next generation to enjoy. We're incredibly grateful for Lloyds Bank's support in helping secure the future of our club for our members.”

Lewis Sheen, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Walmley Golf Club's vision is to be recognised as a premiere and progressive venue, and we're pleased to be supporting them in this goal.

“The club has faced challenges in previous planning applications and our support has been critical to ensuring these important works could still take place. Lloyds Bank is committed to supporting businesses that not only prosper and grow, but also benefit the local community, and we're proud to be by the side of Walmley Golf Club as it creates an inclusive space for all its members to enjoy.”

Pictured (L-R): Lewis Sheen, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, and Andy Mitchell, chairman of Walmley Golf Club