Council Proposing to Close Perivale Park Golf Course
Area would be part of new rewilded 'regional park'
Perivale Park Golf Course . Picture: N Chadwick
October 3, 2023
Ealing Council is proposing to close Perivale Park Golf Course and incorporate it into a new regional park which will be integrated with the existing Brent River Park.
Although the plan is notionally subject to consultation, the committee members of Perivale Park Golf Club (PPGC) were informed by the council earlier this week that the course is to be closed in 2024.
There has been a shocked reaction from regular users of the nine-hole course which provided a manageable round for local golfers, particularly older ones. Memberships were inexpensive compared to other golf courses in west London and senior citizens paid less than ten pounds in green fees to play during the week.
The plan could see the clubhouse café go as well and opponents claim this would be an additional loss as it serves as a centre for local walking groups.
A petition has been started to save the course which, at the time of writing, had gained 34 signatures.
One regular player on the course contacted us to say, “I don’t think this decision makes any sense in isolation as the cost to the council of running the course is not great. It is hard not to see it as a sacrificial lamb to those groups who have been loudly objecting to the loss of rewilded space at Warren Farm. The council can point to this as a quid pro quo.”
The council says that the scheme is in its early stages, promising to consult extensively with residents, local groups and expert organisations for the creation of what would be the first regional park in the borough.
It plans to appoint specialists to develop more detailed plans for the regional park, which may include a comprehensive review of the golf facilities across the borough. The first public consultation will be on the proposed closure of Perivale Park Golf Course. Additionally, in the future residents will be asked for their views on the potential to have a new cultural venue in the regional park.
Cllr Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, said, “We are creating a rare opportunity for an incredible new regional park in our capital. The Elizabeth II Park has transformed the east of London and this new regional park has the potential to have similar positive effect on the borough and West London.”
“The proposed regional park would provide a beautiful new space with rewilded land and woodlands as well as new places to improve health, play sports and enjoy cultural events right in the heart of our borough.”
Cllr Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for thriving communities, said, “A large new park in the borough is a hugely exciting opportunity for us to improve the lives of Ealing residents and lead the capital. In that context, it is absolutely right for us as a council to review local provision of golf courses and set that against the needs of all of our residents and how easy it is for them to get to and enjoy open spaces, nature and sports pitches and courts.”
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, the Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said, “Our plan for a new regional park is a massive step forward in the work we are doing work to tackle air pollution and reduce the impact of the climate emergency. We promised residents 10 new parks and 50,000 more trees but a regional park will be a real game changer, delivering not just new open spaces, but active travel routes, wildlife rich wetlands and habitats and a great day out for all our residents.
“We are looking forward to hearing your views later this year which will help us develop the plans for the new park.“
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