Work begins on £1m revamp of golf club
Work has begun on more than £1 million worth of improvements, which will create up to 30 jobs, at a golf club in Staffordshire.
Chase Golf Club in Penkridge is building a new 80-seater restaurant set to encompass a Cannock Chase theme with meals made from locally-sourced produce.
It is also in the process of transforming two office rooms into 17 guest rooms, including a bridal suite.
Operations director at the Pottal Pool Road site, Bryan Davies, says the plans will benefit the area's economy while making the club a 'complex' rather than just a venue or club.
"We're planning to create around 15 to 20 jobs when the restaurant opens, while the new accommodation is looking to create around 12 more jobs," said Mr Davies.
"Overall we should be creating anything up to 30 new jobs for the area.
"This is the latest in a series of improvements since a local family bought the club in 2009. They've invested heavily in the club since then, spending over a million on the club's new spa and health club.
"The new restaurant and guest rooms will be around another million at least as well. The work will mean creating work for contractors in the area and, once built, the new development will also encourage businessmen to stay in the area.
"The improvements will also increase business for the area, as if people come on golf weekends they may stay with us, but they'll more than likely use our golf club and then go to another one, too.
"They're also likely to use our restaurant on one night and another on the following night. We're perfectly situated for businessmen to visit us in the week being so close to the motorway.
"We currently host 35 wedding receptions each year, but unfortunately they all have to stay elsewhere.
"With the new guest rooms and restaurant we'll have everything under one roof like a complex – they can use the spa and the driving range, too."
Work on the new rooms is set to be completed by the end of 2014, while the restaurant is planned to officially open on Valentine's Day next year.
Mr Davies is appealing for ideas for the name of the new restaurant. The person whose name is selected will win a meal for two. Email Mr Davies at [email protected] with name ideas by September 30.