YOUR HOUSING GROUP WITHDRAWS FROM PURCHASE OF SWINTON PARK GOLF CLUB AFTER HONOURING A PROMISE TO DO SO IF A REPORT CONCLUDED THAT GOLF AT THE SITE WAS STILL VIABLE

A planned protest which was to have taken place tomorrow (Saturday 3rd October) against the sale of the historic Swinton Park Golf Club to a housing provider has been called off after a new development in the long running battle to save the club.

Your Housing Group which is one of the country’s largest affordable housing providers has pulled out of the purchase of Swinton Park Golf Club, honouring a commitment it had made to members and residents. 

The Group had been exploring the site as an option for development for affordable housing, reportedly the asking price was £10m, which was £20m less than the £30m price which it was rumoured Bellway Homes were offering before pulling out.

Earlier this year the group’s CEO Brian Cronin met with members as well as residents and came to the agreement with them that the company would not progress with their bid if golf was found to be viable. 

Following the release of the findings of the golf viability study commissioned by Salford City Council, Your Housing Group has confirmed that they are to withdraw from the purchase of the site in Salford. 

Richard Jones, Director of Growth at Your Housing Group, said:

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“Our Chief Executive and I took the time to meet with members and residents to discuss our proposals and hear their views, at that time we made the commitment that Your Housing Group would not progress with our bid if golf was found to still be viable.   

“Following the release of the findings of the golf viability study, Your Housing Group has decided against proceeding with the purchase of Swinton Golf Club. We will continue to seek ambitious opportunities to provide affordable housing and remain committed to investing in sustainable communities.”

 

This move from Your Housing Group is welcomed by the City Mayor who sent the housing provider a letter re-stating his desire that the site should remain as a golf course following the outcome of the independent viability report commissioned on behalf of the City Council which concluded that the golf course was viable. 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has previously met with residents opposing the sale of the club and given them his backing. 

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“This is welcome news for local people and for the city and I would like to also thank Your Housing Group for the action they have taken and I look forward to working closely with them on other projects in the City given the affordable Housing challenge we have.

“Now that Your Housing Group has withdrawn from a purchase of the site and given that the club closed on 30th September, I would again now urge the owners of the golf course to look at the opportunity for the sale of the course to allow its continued operation as a golf course.”