Community Group Seeks Golf Course Acquisition Over Housing Development

A local campaign organization has secured the opportunity to attempt to acquire a golf course prior to its potential sale to development companies. The Maidenhead Great Park group was established in 2020 with the objective of opposing the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s (RBWM) proposals to develop the 132 acres comprising woodlands and open green areas. Maidenhead Golf Course has received the designation of an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This status mandates that if the owner, which is the council, opts to sell the property, it must first offer eligible local groups an opportunity to submit a bid for the asset before proceeding with a sale. Tina Quadrino, who chairs the Maidenhead Great Park campaign group, stated: “We’re very pleased that it has been recognised as an asset of community value, we have got an opportunity here.” The ACV process was established under the Localism Act 2011. Nevertheless, RBWM is not legally compelled to accept a bid from the community, and campaigners recognize that securing the necessary funding will be “no easy task.” The council had anticipated obtaining £105m from an agreement with Cala Homes for the construction of 1,500 residences. The local authority indicated this sum was required to address its outstanding debts. Ms. Quadrino elaborated that Maidenhead Golf Course, often referred to as Maidenhead’s green lung, constituted a “little oasis behind a very busy road.” She further commented: “Not many people knew about it until we started a campaign to save it about five years ago.” “We’re very pleased that it has been recognised as an asset of community value, we have got an opportunity here.” A community consultation event is scheduled for 22 February at Larchfield Community Centre, where local residents are encouraged to deliberate on the optimal utilization of the golf course property. Ms. Quadrino remarked: “I’m really, really excited to hear everyone’s thoughts and ideas.” Michael Young, a fellow campaigner, pointed out that a significant amount of housing and flats had recently been constructed in Maidenhead, resulting in “limited green space.” He stated: “As a community we want to make this a green space for people to come to.” “There really isn’t enough green space left, a few pocket parks but there’s not enough.” “We want the community to make the decisions and be involved in looking at all the various options.” BBC Berkshire maintains a presence on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites and provides details on its approach to external linking.