A
raft of security measures have been put in place to protect the former Bushey
Country Club site, which is owned by Hertsmere Borough Council, until longer
term decisions about its future are reached.
Hertsmere Leisure Trust, which manages the council's leisure contract,
ended its arrangement to operate Bushey Country Club from 1 April because the
financial losses associated with the site were no longer sustainable.
The Country Club and the golf course are now closed, but the community centre
at the site is open and is available for bookings.
Bollards are being installed to prevent unlawful incursions onto the site, a
security guard is on site 24 hours per day, property guardians have occupied
the club as an additional presence which reduces security costs for the
council, and a grounds maintenance programme is under way to keep the site in
presentable order.
It is anticipated that car park charging will be introduced during May, with
the first two hours of parking free.
In the meantime, the council's Asset Management team is commissioning 'soft
market testing' to assess the possible redevelopment opportunities for the
site. They are also exploring the potential for short term, ‘meanwhile’ use
with those businesses and organisations that have expressed interest, as well
as the wider market. Local residents and other interested parties will be
consulted once viable longer term development options have been identified. A
cross party working panel is also being established,
comprising local councillors, council officers and stakeholders.
Deputy Leader of
Hertsmere Borough Council, Councillor John Graham, who is also Portfolio Holder
for Finance, Property and Economic Development, commented: "Many local
people care deeply about the future of the site, which is an important asset
for the council. Whilst we work to draw up some viable and sustainable options
for its longer term future, we've put in place a number of sensible measures to
protect the site and keep the community centre operating."
Further information can be found on our Bushey Country Club page www.hertsmere.gov.uk/busheycountryclub
To subscribe to e-alerts through our free News for You service on our www.hertsmere.gov.uk
homepage, click on the News for You box in the centre of the screen and select
'Bushey Country Club' subscriber topic.
To register interest in acquiring, developing or operating from the site,
please contact the council's Asset Management team on email - asset.management@hertsmere.gov.uk
To make a booking at the community centre, please email Sharon McDermott at
Bushey Grove Leisure Centre - sharon.mcdermott@hertsmereleisure.co.uk
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