Green clubhouse for Richmond Park

1 February 2012

A visualisation of the new clubhouse

The Richmond Park course in London has acquired planning permission for its new sustainable clubhouse. The new facilities, which include a café area and improved pro shop, should in late 2012.

Management firm Glendale Golf took on the lease for Richmond Park in 2004, under a deal with the London Borough of Richmond on Thames that saw Glendale agree to construct a new clubhouse. Planning permission for the new development was finally granted in December 2011.

The new clubhouse development includes the demolition of the existing facilities at Roehampton Gate and the construction of new facilities at Chohole Gate on the south east corner of the course. The design for the new clubhouse was developed by architects at William Saunders, who also created the clubhouse and restaurant at Glendale’s Duxbury Park course in Lancashire. The Richmond Park plan also includes a 20 bay driving range and a new academy golf course.

The new facility will incorporate a variety of green technologies that will contribute to the achievement of a BREEAM rating of excellent. BREEAM ratings recognise high standards of environmental sustainability in construction projects. These technologies include photovoltaic panels, ground source heat pumps and a greywater recycling system. The roof of the clubhouse will be made of acid grass allowing the gently sloping building to blend into the rolling landscape of the course. A wildlife pond will also be created in front of the clubhouse. The pond and surrounding area will help support local habitats and promoting conservation of the ecological landscape of the Richmond Royal Park.

Minor disruption is expected on site as the work to the new clubhouse commences in spring 2012. But manager Brian Lafferty is not too concerned about the impact this will have on footfall. “With two 18 hole courses available at Richmond Park there will always be enough space for our regular players to continue playing,” he said. “By keeping our players and local residents informed about the progress of the clubhouse construction, we hope that they will be patient and join us in anticipating the finished product.”