Resolved: That

1)  The recommended preferred provider be approved, and the Corporate Director of Delivery Services be authorised to commence negotiations on a lease transfer of Arrowe Park golf course and The Warren golf course (including The Grange); on the basis that if negotiations do not progress satisfactorily with the preferred provider that the Corporate Director of Deliver Services may instead commence negotiations with the second preferred provider;

2)  Statutory consultation, in accordance with Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, in relation to the golf courses be commenced once negotiations are concluded; and

3)  The results of the negotiation and the statutory consultation be reported to Cabinet for a final decision.

Golf facilities are an important component of the provision of leisure and cultural facilities in the Wirral. They provide affordable opportunities for a diverse range of people of all ages to participate in golf and to benefit from healthy physical activity. As with many other publicly operated sports facilities, there are several issues facing councils in the current financial climate including the need for continued capital investment in facilities and meeting lifecycle costs.