Tapton Park Golf Course - HLL Humberts Leisure

On the instructions of
Tapton Park Golf Course
CHESTERFIELD · S41 0EQ · Founded 1934
TO LET
Initial expressions of interest invited by 19 October 2007

Tapton Park Golf Course
18 hole 6,104 yard (par 72) golf course
9 hole 2,613 yard (par 34) golf course
9 hole par 3 course
Practice ground
Clubhouse
Greenkeepers’ compound
Circa 70,000 rounds p.a.
Great potential for growth
Annual rental offers invited
25 year FRI lease available
Lodge house

Introduction
Tapton Park Golf Course represents a fine
opportunity for an experienced golf operator
to acquire a pay and play golf business with
great potential for growth. The golf course was
established in 1934 and now comprises 36 holes
of golf, a practice ground (with potential for a
floodlit golf driving range), a clubhouse (for
refurbishment) and a greenkeepers’ compound
(requiring redevelopment).
Tapton Park was acquired by Chesterfield
Borough Council from Charles Paxton Markham
early in the 20th Century. The house and
pleasure grounds were set aside for the benefit
of the inhabitants of Chesterfield. The Park
comprises Tapton House a Grade II* Listed
building (the former residence of the railway
engineer George Stephenson), which is now
leased as an annex to the Chesterfield College
of Further Education; an Innovation Technology
Centre (which has been built on the former
walled garden next to the house) and Tapton
Park Golf Course. Only Tapton Park Golf Course
is being offered to the market.
HLL Humberts Leisure is instructed by Chesterfield
Borough Council to offer an agreement for
lease and subsequent 25 year FRI lease over
Tapton Park Golf Course in return for an annual
rent, capital investment in the facilities and an
undertaking by the Lessee to comply with the
Council’s stated objectives.
Initial expressions of interest in the property
are invited by 12 noon on Friday 19 October
2007. A shortlist of bidders will subsequently be
invited to submit a full tender for the property
by Tuesday 18 December 2007. Chesterfield
Borough Council’s intention is for the agreement
for lease/lease to commence on 1 April 2008.

Objectives
Chesterfield Borough Council’s principal
objectives for Tapton Park Golf Course can be
summarised as follows:
To ensure that Tapton Park Golf Course
remains a pay and play golf facility available to
all members of the public.
To upgrade the clubhouse to provide improved
accommodation for golfers and non-golfers alike.
To ensure that the golf course, practice facilities
and greenkeeping compound are upgraded and
thereafter maintained to the highest of standards.
To ensure that the business is efficiently operated
by an experienced golf operator and thereby
generates a satisfactory, sustainable annual
income for Chesterfield Borough Council.
To encourage participation in golf through
the development of junior golf; increased golf
participation by ethnic minorities; and by
making golf handicaps available to all.
Location
Tapton Park Golf Course enjoys an exceptional
trading location. The course is located within
the Chesterfield urban boundary, overlooking
the town centre and the famous “Crooked Spire”
of St Mary’s and All Saints’ Church.
Access to the property is via minor roads
through residential areas leading from the
A61(T), A617 and A619. The property’s post
code is S41 0EQ.
Chesterfield (population 100,000) is the
largest town in Derbyshire, with an excellent
infrastructure network. Within close proximity
to Chesterfield lie the outstanding landscape of
the Peak District National Park and the cities
of Sheffield (513,234 – 10 miles), Manchester
(441,000 – 44 miles), Nottingham (267,000 –
27 miles) and Derby (221,700 – 30 miles).
For further information on Chesterfield visit
www.chesterfield.gov.uk
To ensure the maintenance of the non-golf areas
and enhance the natural environmental and
ecological character of the property.

Description of the facilities
Tapton Park Golf Course is set in a site of
approximately 78 hectares (193 acres). The
property comprises:
Tapton Park 18 Hole Golf Course
The 18 hole 6,104 yard (par 72) parkland
golf course was established in 1934. The golf
course occupies an undulating landscape,
interspersed with areas of mature trees, which
combine to provide a fine setting for golf. The
course is renowned regionally as a challenging
test of golf.
The course is arranged in two loops of 9 holes
starting and finishing close to the clubhouse
and comprises three par 3s, twelve par 4s and
three par 5s. Greens and tees are of traditional
construction, with automatic irrigation laid to
greens and some fairways.
Dobbin Clough 9 Hole Golf Course
The 9 hole golf course is located on the southern
boundary of the property, separated from the
clubhouse and main golf course by a minor lane,
which golfers cross on foot.
9 Hole Par 3 Golf Course
The 700 yard 9 hole par 3 course is located
close to the clubhouse and practice ground. It
is an ideal facility for novice golfers or those
wishing to improve their short game skills. The
course was constructed in c. 1970. Irrigation is
laid to greens.
Practice Ground & Practice Putting Green
A practice ground and practice putting green
are located close to the clubhouse. The informal
practice ground extends to c. 150 yards and is
laid out over a sloping site.
Chesterfield Borough Council has prepared a
planning study on the feasibility of levelling and
extending the practice ground and constructing
a floodlit golf driving range on the property
(see Town & Country Planning later in this
brochure).
The course, which again has been laid out over
an undulating terrain, was constructed in 1987.
The course extends to 2,613 yards (par 34)
and comprises two par 3s and seven par 4s.
Greens and tees are of sand based construction.
Automatic irrigation is laid to greens.

Murray House Clubhouse
The clubhouse (which is known as Murray
House) is located towards the centre of the
property. The clubhouse was constructed
around 1900 of brick elevations under a slate
roof. The accommodation currently comprises:
Ground floor
Lounge bar
Children’s room
Professional’s shop
Trolley store
Ladies locker room with showers & WCs
Gents locker and shower room
Gents WCs
Kitchen
First floor
Function/meeting room
Ladies & gents WCs
Boiler room
Suite of 5 offices
Staff tea room
Staff WC
Basement
Whilst fully functional, the clubhouse is in need of
refurbishment/extension to modernise the facilities.
The main car park adjoins the clubhouse, with
overspill parking available along the golf course
access road.
The Lodge
A single storey lodge house (known as The
Lodge) is positioned adjacent to Murray House.
The Lodge is currently unoccupied, but has
historically been used for staff accommodation.
The Lodge is constructed of brick elevations under
a slate roof. The accommodation comprises:
Kitchen
Dining room
Sitting room
Bedroom
Bathroom
Greenkeepers’ Facilities
The greenkeepers’ facilities are located adjacent
to the clubhouse and currently comprise a
range of buildings of varying age and
construction, which combine to provide
machinery storage areas, workshop facilities
and chemical storage. The facilities are in need
of complete redevelopment.

Golfers putting out on the
10th and 18th greens at
Tapton Park Golf Course.

The business
Tapton Park Golf Course is a municipal pay
and play golf facility. The business is currently
operated and maintained by Chesterfield
Borough Council, with all aspects of the business
operated in house.
Trading History
We have been provided with trading
accounts for the business for the years
ending 31 March 2006, 31 March 2007
and the forecast figures for the year to
31 March 2008. These can be summarised as
shown below:
31.03.06 31.03.07 31.03.08
Green fees £326,358 £283,930 £300,840
Season tickets £61,077 £64,224 £64,220
Food & bev £109,942 £100,952 £104,350
Golf shop na na £22,500
Misc £27,527 £29,537 £38,010
Turnover £524,904 £478,643 £529,920
Full trading information will be made available
to parties who have made an accompanied
inspection of the property.
Roundages
Chesterfield Borough Council’s records show
the following annual roundage figures for the
course (year to 31 March):
Year
18 hole
rounds
9 hole
rounds
P & P
rounds
Total
2003/04 41,941 29,668 10,988 82,597
2004/05 39,798 21,073 7,013 67,884
2005/06 41,605 22,055 9,363 73,023
2006/07 38,878 17,821 9,811 66,510
Green Fees
The headline green fees for the current season
(w.e.f. 01.04.07) are set out below. Peak hours
are Friday 10.30 to Sunday; Off Peak hours are
Monday to Friday 10.30.
Tapton Park 18 hole course
Adult Concessions Junior Twilight
Peak £13.50 £11.50 £6.50 £7.00
Off peak £12.00 £9.00 £5.00 £6.00
Dobbin Clough 9 hole course
Adult Concessions Junior
Peak £8.00 £6.50 £4.00
Off peak £7.00 £5.50 £4.00
Pitch & putt
Adult Concessions Junior
Peak £3.25 £3.25 £3.25
Off peak £3.25 £3.25 £3.25
Season Tickets
Season tickets are currently available at Tapton
Park Golf Course. The fees for the full year to 31
March 2008 (inclusive of VAT and EGU fees) are
as follows:
Family £498.00
Adult 7 Day £489.00
Adult Off Peak £279.00
Junior 7 Day £100.00
Junior 9 Hole £60.00
Junior P&P £30.00
Equipment Hire
Current equipment hire costs are:
Buggies (18 holes) £12.00
Buggies (9 holes) £8.00
Half set of clubs £5.00
Trolley £3.00

Golf Societies
Societies are welcome at Tapton Park Golf Course.
Concessionary rates do not apply for society
bookings (although for groups of 12 players
or more 1 golfer receives free golf and catering).
50 societies played at Tapton Park in the year to
31.03.06; with 61 in the year to 31.03.07 and 59
in the current year to date (as at 26.07.07).
Membership
Tapton Park Golf Club is a resident club based at
the golf course. Club membership entitles golfers
to obtain an official EGU handicap and compete
in County and Club competitions. The current
membership fee is £35.00 (adults only) with an
annual subscription of £20.00 for juniors rising to
£55.00 for adults (payable directly to the Club).
Members pay the current green fee for each round
played (or are season ticket holders).
Club membership over the last few years
has been: 2005 (306 members); 2006 (395
members); 2007 (466 members).
The Club has no rights of tenure; however
it does have (a) limited booking rights for
standard play and competitions and (b)
permission to occupy an office in Murray
House by custom. The Lessee will be obliged
to encourage the development of the Club and
to facilitate the availability of handicaps for
new golfers.
Golf Course Maintenance Equipment
Chesterfield Borough Council owns the existing
golf course maintenance equipment which will
be made available to the Lessee at valuation on
completion of the lease (if required).
Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment
Chesterfield Borough Council owns the great
majority of the clubhouse fixtures, fittings and
equipment, together with the kitchen equipment.
These items are included in the lease.
Staff
Chesterfield Borough Council employs the
existing golf course, clubhouse and golf shop staff.
Whilst prospective Lessees should make their
own enquiries, Chesterfield Borough Council has
confirmed that TUPE Regulations will apply to
the transfer of the business.
Full information on current staff levels will be
made available to parties who have made an
accompanied inspection of the property.
Licences
Chesterfield Borough Council confirms that the
property has the benefit of a Premises Licence
under the Licensing Act 2003. The permitted
licensable hours of the premises are:
Monday – Saturday 10.00a.m. to 11.00p.m.
Sunday
12noon to 10.30p.m.
Pricing Policy
Chesterfield Borough Council has indicated that
all future charges at the facility should be set in
accordance with market forces, with reference to
charges at similar pay and play facilities in the area.

Services
Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage;
plus telecommunications are connected to
the property.
Town & country planning
Tapton Park Golf Course falls under the
Replacement Chesterfield Borough Local Plan
(adopted in June 2006) and is identified as within
an area of open countryside and other open land.
Policies EVR2 and EVR3 apply. The Local Plan can
be accessed via the Council’s website via the link:
www.cartoplus.co.uk/chesterfield
Chesterfield Borough Council confirms that
none of the buildings on the site are Listed.
However, the property lies adjacent to the
Grade II* Listed Tapton House and the impact
of any development on landscape quality will
need to be considered.
Policies EVR2 and EVR3 support new
development related to recreation and tourism
provided it preserves the character of the
landscape and retains the openness of the
countryside. They also support the retention
and conversion of existing buildings.
The only current consent applicable to the
property is CHE/06/00693/FUL, which relates
to a proposed single storey extension to Murray
House to provide new DDA compliant toilets and
showers as part of a proposed refurbishment of
the changing rooms.
The Trans Pennine Trail and a number of other
established footpaths run through the property,
but are not detrimental to play.
Chesterfield Borough Council has conducted
investigations into the possibility of creating
a new floodlit golf driving range on the land
north west of Murray House (on the site of
the existing practice ground). The proposal
has been discussed in detail with the Borough
Council’s Planning Service and an environmental
appraisal has been completed. A briefing note
will be available to parties who have made an
accompanied inspection of the property.

One of Chesterfield Borough Council’s key
objectives is to achieve the upgrading/
redevelopment of Tapton Park Golf Course to
ensure that the golf courses, the clubhouse and
greenkeepers’ facilities meet modern standards.
Preference will be given to Lessees that guarantee
capital investment in the facilities. Proposals will
be considered on their merits and in context of
the planning policies for the area.
Tenure
An agreement for lease followed by a 25 year
full repairing and insuring lease are offered
over the property in return for an annual rental
and obligations on the Lessee to redevelop
the facilities and to comply with Chesterfield
Borough Council’s stated objectives.
Chesterfield Borough Council’s preference is
for a fixed annual rent, reviewable on a 3 or 5
yearly basis in accordance with the Retail Price
Index; although other rental structures will
be considered.
The Lessee will be required to pay a premium of
£40,000 on signing the agreement for lease.
It is intended that the agreement for lease/lease
of the property will commence on 1 April 2008.
Vacant possession of the property will be
available to the Lessee on completion.
The Markham family burial ground, which is
located within the golf course, is to be excluded
from the lease. The burial ground will be
maintained by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The lease will be excluded from the Landlord
and Tenant Act Security of Tenure Provisions.
Assignment of the lease will be permissible
from the end of the third year of the term.

Basis of disposal
Initial expressions of interest in Tapton Park
Golf Course are invited by 12 noon on Friday 19
October 2007. Submissions must be in duplicate
and should include as a minimum:
Details of relevant experience in developing
and operating commercial pay and play golf
centres (and other facilities as appropriate)
Audited accounts for the last three years
Annual rental offer (redevelopment period
and anticipated established year rental)
Outline redevelopment proposals
Capital expenditure estimates
Outline operating statement confirming the
proposed method of operation
Pricing Policy
Confirmation of the bidder’s position
regarding the application of TUPE
regulations, to include your company policy
on pensions and trade union recognition in
relation to TUPE transfers.
Initial expressions of interest should be sent
to the Winchester office of HLL Humberts
Leisure at the address opposite.
A shortlist of suitably qualified operators will be
invited to submit full tenders to CBC by Tuesday
18 December 2007.
Please note that Chesterfield Borough Council
intends to proceed with the most economically
advantageous offer, which may not necessarily
be the highest financial offer.
VAT
Chesterfield Borough Council reserves the right
to charge VAT on any element of the disposal if
deemed appropriate.
Further information & viewing
For further information on Tapton Park Golf
Course, or to arrange an inspection of the property
please contact Ben Allen BSc(Hons) MRICS at:
39-41 Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 5BE
Telephone 01962 835960
E-mail ben.allen@humberts-leisure.com
London Office: 12 Bolton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8BD

A61(T)
A619
Tapton Park Golf Course
M1
A619
Chesterfield
A632
A617
A61(T)
A617
J29
A6175
A61(T)
Crow Lane
Railway
station
Tapton Park
Golf Course
Crow Lane
A619
Chesterfield
A632
Picadilly Road
A61(T)
A617
M1
Rotherham
Doncaster
M18
A1(M)
A1(M)
Sheffield
Buxton
The Peak
District
Chesterfield
29
M1
30
Worksop
Mansfield
Tapton Park
Golf Course

39-41 Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 5BE
Telephone 01962 835960
E-mail ben.allen@humberts-leisure.com
London Office: 12 Bolton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8BD
Designed by www.anothervision.co.uk Printed by Portishead Press 0117 955 5811
Important notice
HLL Humberts Leisure for themselves and for the lessors
of this property for whom they act give notice that:
1. These particulars are prepared for the guidance only
of prospective lessees. They are intended to give
a fair and overall description of the property and
do not constitute the whole or any part of an offer
or contract.
2. Any information contained herein (whether in text,
plans or photographs) is given in good faith but
should not be relied upon as being a statement or
representation of fact.
3. Nothing in these particulars shall be deemed to be
a statement that the property is in good condition
or otherwise nor that any services or facilities are in
good working order.
4. It should not be assumed that any contents,
furnishings, furniture or equipment are included in
the lease, nor that the property remains as displayed
in the photographs. No assumption should be made
with regard to parts of the property that have not
been photographed.
5. Any areas, measurements or distances referred to
herein are approximate only.
6. It should not be assumed that the property has all
necessary planning, building regulation or other
consents and these matters must be verified by an
intending Lessee.
7. The information in these particulars is given without
responsibility on the part of the agents or their clients
and neither the agents nor their employees have
any authority to make or give any representations or
warranties whatever in relation to this property.
8. Humberts Leisure will not be liable, in negligence or
otherwise for any injury or loss arising from the use
of these particulars.
9. The property is offered to let subject to contract
and availability.
10. These particulars were produced in August 2007
Humberts Leisure Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 2567699 VAT No. 761 451 929.
Registered Office: 12 Bolton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8BD.
e: contact@humberts-leisure.com