A £200 million revamp of the world-famous Belfry complex in the West Midlands has been put on hold due to the recession, it emerged today.

Plans included the Midlands’ only five-star hotel, new PGA national headquarters, training academy and a 21st-century clubhouse near the 18th hole. But the continuing economic downturn has caused the biggest proposed redevelopment in the leisure site’s 50-year plus history to be shelved for the foreseeable future.

With planning permission already approved, Belfry owners The Quinn Group will decide a revised construction timetable for the project in the first half of next year.

The Belfry scheme was unveiled in June 2007.

The existing Belfry, near Sutton Coldfield, would be replaced by a hotel with 500 luxury bedrooms and a new leisure complex, including a swimming pool, gym spa and treatment facilities.

The clubhouse scheme, based on the frontage of the existing hotel, has revived hopes that the Ryder Cup could eventually return to the Midlands.

The five-year scheme would mark one of the biggest single investments in a leisure project in the Midlands for many years.

A source said today: “The scheme has been put on hold and a decision will be taken during the early part of next year regarding a revised construction timetable.

“This is entirely as a result of the recession, although the commitment to build the new hotel is still there.”

The Belfry – the only venue in the world to host the Ryder Cup four times – was bought by the Ireland-based Quinn Group in February 2005 in a £186 million deal.

Nigel Gray, general manager of the Belfry, was today away on holiday and unavailable for comment.