Vision revealed for transformation of Sunderland golf course into community asset

City leaders have revealed their vision to transform Sunderland’s old Elemore Golf Course into a community asset.
City leaders have revealed their vision to transform Sunderland’s old Elemore Golf Course into a community asset.City leaders have revealed their vision to transform Sunderland’s old Elemore Golf Course into a community asset.
City leaders have revealed their vision to transform Sunderland’s old Elemore Golf Course into a community asset.

The green space sits within the Hetton ward and is a circa 60-hectare site which is allocated in open countryside.

As part of Sunderland City Council’s latest budget plans, funding has been allocated for the ‘Elemore Green Space and Social Enterprise Development.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This aims to provide a feasibility study, including consultation, to look at potential opportunities for the former golf course.

Following completion of the study and subject to external funding, the council plans to undertake improvement works at the golf club, car park and adjacent green space.

According to a recent budget report, this will enable a social enterprise to become mobilised on site, delivering initially from the refurbished golf club house.

At a recent meeting of full council, deputy council leader, councillor Paul Stewart, gave an update on the project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m really delighted to offer an update on some of the exciting and positive progress on a site that has the potential for many uses which create a useable green space as well as protecting the natural habitat for future generations,” he said.

“A lot has been done in consultation using the Let’s Talk Elemore with an incredibly positive engagement and feedback from local residents.

“I would also like to note that this was part of the Coalfields Neighbourhood Investment Plan as Coalfield Area Committee responds directly to the resident feedback from our earlier city-wide consultation and engagement exercise.”

While the council continues to work through the plans, some potential developments on the former golf course site include:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Developing ‘pocket forests’ that would be owned by schools and community groups. Social enterprises developing training opportunities, including a cafe. A visitor and exhibition centre highlighting the history of the area. A garden centre growing vegetables and plants to sell to the local community. A community garden and allotments on part of the site. Enhancing walking and cycling routes. Reviewing existing car parking arrangements. Developing cycling provision and potential cycle hire facilities. Mini festivals operated and arranged by local social enterprises and cooperatives using the open green space, proposed cafe and visitor centre. Wildlife corridors and opportunities to observe wildlife.

Cllr Stewart was responding to a question from Hetton councillor James Blackburn about the future of the green space.

The deputy leader said the plans were an example of how the council intends to work with communities as part of its community wealth building programme to “make a difference to peoples’ lives.”

“This is a most exciting project and I’m quite sure that members will see my excitement,” he added.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact this will have in the local area and I’m sure the local councillors will wish to share progress with full council as this project develops.”

For more information or to give your views on the development of the site, visit: www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/17777/Let-s-Talk-Elemore

Read More
‘They are already going through enough pain’ – mum’s heartbreaking wish to stop ...

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.