Eccleston Park Golf Club - HLL Humberts Leisure

On the instructions ofFOR SALEEccleston ParkGolf ClubMerseyside, L35 4PGA freehold 18 hole proprietary golf course with well presented, fullyrefurbished clubhouse in a strong commercial / urban trading locationon the edge of Merseysidewww.ecclestonparkgolf.co.uk

Eccleston ParkGolf Club

n Freeholdn High quality 18 hole 6,477 yard (par 71) golf course constructedto USGA specificationn Practice facilitiesn Recently refurbished 633 sq m (6,800 sq ft) clubhouse with superb airconditioned function/conference facilities furnished, fitted and equippedto a good standardn Modern greenkeeping complexn Circa 51 hectares (125 acres)n Established business with excellent reputation & high levels of repeat customn Commercial trading location between Liverpool & St. Helens – 851,750resident population within a 20 minute drive timen Turnover c. £825,000 (y/e 31.12.11)comprising 51% golf; 13% retail; & 36% food & beverage incomen EBITDA (HO) c. £185,000 (y/e 31.12.11)n Significantly enhanced year on year EBITDA (HO) growth achieved over last 4 yearsn Experienced management teamn One of only a few proprietary golf businesses in the arean 686 members (01.05.12)Guide price £1.725 million“Eccleston Park has developed a reputation as a friendly and vibrantgolf club, with a constantly improving course, which provides an enjoyable”and testing challenge for members and visitors alike...

IntroductionGVA is instructed by Crown Golf to offer Eccleston ParkGolf Club, Merseyside for sale as part of its portfoliorationalisation – Eccleston Park’s location, remote fromCrown Golf’s main portfolio in South East England, beingthe reason for the disposal.Eccleston Park Golf Club is a modern, well presentedgolf club situated in an urban trading location on theedge of Merseyside; and is one of only a few proprietarygolf businesses in the area. The Club achieved anEBITDA (HO) of £183,000 in 2011, and has achievedsignificant growth in profit over the last four yearsfollowing clubhouse and course improvements that werecompleted in 2007.The guide price for the freehold interest in EcclestonPark Golf Club is £1.725 million.

LocationEccleston Park Golf Club enjoys a commercial/urbantrading location on the edge of Merseyside, betweenLiverpool and St. Helens, as shown on the location plan(at the end of the brochure).Approximate distances and journey times to theproperty are:Central Liverpool 9.6 miles/17 minsSt Helens 3.1 miles/8 minsManchester 26.5 miles/40 minsWith the M62 Motorway (junction 7) and the M57Motorway (junction 2) circa 2 and 3 miles respectivelyfrom the Club and the nearby A57 leading directly intoLiverpool, the property enjoys a highly accessible tradinglocation in a densely populated urban area.An Experion population profile confirms a residentpopulation of 851,750 within a 20 minute drive time.Please note: The post code for the property for use withsat navs is WA9 5BD(Source The AA)

“Eccleston Park is a modern, vibrant and friendly club, with an”excellent 18 hole golf course set in 125 acres of prime land witheasy access from Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens...Description of the PropertyEccleston Park Golf Club was established in 1999 andwas acquired by Crown Golf that year. The Club hasrecently been subject to a comprehensive refurbishmentprogramme including: the re-modelling of part of the golfcourse; the extension and complete refurbishment of the19th Century clubhouse; and the construction of a newgreenkeeping complex.A courtyard development of high quality residentialaccommodation is situated towards the centre of theproperty, adjacent to the clubhouse. Converted in 2005from a range of traditional farm buildings, the residentialaccommodation is in separate ownerships and isexcluded from the sale.The golf club has been laid out over a mostly level sitethat extends to circa 51 hectares (125 acres).The facilities comprise:18 Hole Golf CourseThe 18 hole golf course extends to 6,477 yards (par 71)from the white tees and comprises: five par 3s; nine par4s and four par 5s. The course, which was constructedin 1997 and opened for play in 1999, is arranged as asingle loop of 18 holes - with the first tee and eighteenthgreen starting/finishing at the clubhouse (albeit thatseveral tees are within a short walk of the clubhouse –offering multiple starting points).Greens and tees throughout the course have beenconstructed to a modified USGA specification. A Rainbirdautomated irrigation system with pop up sprinklers is laidto all greens, with tees served by standpipes.

The golf course has matured well since opening andnow offers players a highly enjoyable and an establishedvenue for golf. A golf course landscaping programmewas undertaken through Autumn 2005 to Autumn 2006to improve the definition of several holes. The course’skey characteristics are its gentle terrain, feature lakesand generous greens.The feature holes on the course include:The 5th - a 531 yard par 5 with a lake on the left of thefairway, with a large green protected by a ditch and twobunkers. The hole looks straightforward, but inaccurateshots are punished.The 14th - the longest hole on the course measuring576 yards. An accurate tee shot is needed to avoid twofairway bunkers, and then a large lake comes into playon approach to the green. This hole has ruined many agood scorecard.The 15th - par 4 dog leg left demanding accuracy fromthe tee as a lake and stream come into play. A good teeshot opens up the green and offers a birdie opportunity.Practice FacilitiesAn indoor teaching building, 4 netted practice bays, anirrigated practice putting green and 2 chipping greensare located close to the clubhouse/first tee. A juniorpractice ground (150 yards) is located nearby.Greenkeepers’ FacilitiesThe greenkeepers’ facilities are located centrally in theproperty, adjacent to the car park, with access off themain access road.The building is of 6 bay steel frame construction with,timber weatherboard and concrete block elevations,under a profiled sheet metal roof, with a concrete floorand yard. The building comprises machinery storageareas; workshop facilities; mess room; staff shower;WCs; drying room; storeroom; chemsafe; office andmezzanine storage area.A bunded diesel tank; storage areas for course materials;pump house and the golf course irrigation tank arelocated nearby.

ClubhouseThe clubhouse is located towards the centre of theproperty and is set amongst landscape grounds with fineviews over the 18th green and course beyond.The substantial, two storey building, parts of whichoriginate from the C19th, is constructed of brick andtimber weatherboard elevations under a pitched tiledroof. The clubhouse extends to approximately 633 sq m(6,800 sq ft) and comprises:Ground Floorn Entrance lobby with lift n Ladies golf changing/and stairs to first floor locker room/WCsn Disabled WCn Gents golf changing/lockern Golf shoproom/WCsnnLounge bar and servery Plant roomnnBeer cellarStore rooms (2)nnKitchen (commercially Separate entrance to sales/fitted and equippedadmin offices with stairs towith walk in fridge)offices (at first floor level)First Floorn Stephenson Suite 120 covers (maximum) withintegral bar comprising:n East Suite bar/lounge - 70 coversn West Suite (with separate entrance; dividing acousticpanel & overhead projector) – 50 coversn Ladies and Gents WCsn Balcony/roof terrace overlooking 18th green withawning and external stairs to ground floor level.n Satellite kitchen and goods liftn Food prep arean Sales officen Admin offices (2)n Staff roomn Staff WCn Store room

Tenure & PossessionThe clubhouse was extended and fully refurbishedduring 2006 (re-opening in March 2007). The wholeaccommodation is presented and is furnished, fittedand equipped to a high standard, with a warm convivial/stylish atmosphere. The Stephenson Suite, Lounge Barand Pro Shop are air conditioned.A tarmacadam surfaced golfers’ car park (with gatedbarrier entrance) adjoins the clubhouse and providesparking for over 100 cars.Eccleston Park is freehold.We are instructed that vacant possession of EcclestonPark Golf Club will be available on completion of the sale,subject to members’ annual golfing rights.The access road to the property forms part of the freeholdtitle. The courtyard of private houses situated adjacent tothe clubhouse has been granted rights of way over theaccess road, subject to a maintenance contribution.

Eccleston ParkGolf Club

The Existing BusinessEccleston Park Golf Club is an established proprietarygolf business that has delivered significant profit growthsince the refurbishment of the facilities in 2007.Detailed trading accounts will be made available toparties who have made an accompanied inspection ofthe property and have signed an NDA.In the year to 31st December 2011 the turnover of thebusiness was £825,000 (rising from £770,000 in 2010)producing an EBITDA (HO) of £183,000 (rising from£146,000 in 2010). The EBITDA (HO) of the businesshas increased annually for the last 4 years, reflecting thequality of the local management team and the Club’srenewed status in the regional market.During the 2011 calendar year the business mix wasapproximately 51% golf; 13% retail; and 36% foodand beverage; income, emphasising the strength ofthe business’ high margin golf income that helps driveEBITDA (HO).Trading HistoryFinancial statements for the business for the yearsending 31st December 2009 – 2011 can be summarisedas shown below:Yr End31.12.09Yr End31.12.10Yr End31.12.11Subscriptions 315,000 306,000 302,000Green fees 48,000 43,000 57,000Societies fees 25,000 28,000 41,000Shop 95,000 93,000 112,000Buggies & hire 10,000 14,000 18,000Food & Beverage 268,000 286,000 295,000Turnover 761,000 770,000 825,000CoS 149,000 149,000 167,000Payroll 332,000 326,000 327,000Overheads 173,000 149,000 148,000EBITDA (HO) 107,000 146,000 183,000MembershipEccleston Park Golf Club had a total membership of 686as at 1st May 2012. Historic membership numbers are:Year to 31.12.11 691 membersYear to 31.12.10 673 membersYear to 31.12.09 688 membersCirca 50% of annual members renew their membershipson 1st May; the remaining memberships being on arolling renewal basis. Fees for the current (12/13) season(including VAT but excluding EGU fees) are:Category Subscription DD7 Day Individual £781.00 £69.007 Day Joint £1,386.00 £120.005 Day Individual £616.00 £54.005 Day Joint £1,166.00 £100.00Intermediate £495.00 £43.00Junior £231.00 £21.00Green FeesThe green fees for the current 2012 season include:Visitor Member’s Guest18 holes wk £30.00 £16.0018 holes w/e or BH £40.00 £19.00

ServicesRoundageCrown Golf’s records confirm that the club achieved27,600 rounds during the 2011 calendar year, anincrease of 15% over 2010 and 4% ahead of 2009.SocietiesEccleston Park Golf Club is an ideal society venue andenjoys many repeat visits. 160 societies played at thecourse in the year to 31.12.11, with 150 societies havingplayed or already booked in the year to 31.12.12.Buggy/Trolley HireThe hire charges for the current season are:Buggies £20.00 per roundTrolleys£3.00 per roundWeddings, Conferences & FunctionsEccleston Park Golf Club has established an excellentreputation as a functions and weddings venue. 19weddings were hosted during 2011, with 22 weddingsalready hosted / booked for 2012.ClubhouseMains water and electricityMains drainageMains gas fired central heatingMains gas cookingTelecommunicationsGreenkeepers buildingMains electricity and waterMains drainageMains gas heatingGolf CourseWater for the golf course irrigation system is suppliedfrom a boreholeEnergy Performance CertificateThe Energy Performance Certificate for the clubhouseconfirms that the property has an Energy PerformanceAsset Rating of B (42).LicencesSt. Helens Council Licensing Department confirms thatthe property has been granted a Premises Licence underthe Licensing Act 2003.The permitted opening hours of the premises areMonday - Sunday 07.00 a.m. to 01.00 a.m.; withlicensed hours between 07.00 a.m. to 01.00 a.m.Monday - Sunday.The Stephenson Suite has a licence for Civil Ceremonies(for up to 70 people).Golf Course Maintenance EquipmentEccleston Park Golf Club has a full complement of moderngolf course maintenance equipment, the great majority ofwhich is owned outright and is included in the sale.Rateable ValueSt Helens Council confirms that the Rateable Value ofthe ‘golf course and premises’ is £56,000 (with effectfrom 6th March 2010).StaffEccleston Golf Club employs 24 staff, comprising a mix offull time and part time employees. Further information onstaffing levels will be supplied to parties who have madean accompanied inspection and have signed an NDA.A copy of the full EPC is available to interested parties aspart of the Further Information Memorandum that hasbeen prepared for the property.It is understood that TUPE will apply to the sale of theproperty/the business.

Town & Country PlanningSt Helens Council confirms that the property falls underthe St Helens Unitary Development Plan, which wasadopted in 1998. The majority of policies of the UDPwere saved indefinitely by the Secretary of State from27th September 2007. St Helens Council confirms thatthe Council’s new Local Development Framework (whichwill incorporate the Council’s Core Strategy) will beadopted during 2012. The property is currently classifiedas Green Belt.The principal planning consents for the property include:1993/066: Formation of 18 hole golf course includingthe excavation of lakes and ponds, together with there-use and conversion of the farmhouse and mainfarm buildings (former Rainhill Hospital) to provide amanager’s house, staff accommodation, clubhouse,bar, function room, restaurant, professional’s shop andancillary facilities, with related car park. The consent issubject to a S.106 Agreement requiring the Applicant toprepare (and subsequently implement) an ecologicallybased Management Plan (which has been implemented).2004/0523: Alterations and extensions to clubhouseincorporating new pro shop, changing facilities andextended bar/dining area.There are no public rights of way across the property.

A59654A580Eccleston ParkGolf ClubSt HelensA58M572A570LiverpoolA5756M627A5300Please note: The post code for the property for use with sat navs is WA9 5BDBasis of DisposalThe guide price for the freehold interest in EcclestonPark Golf Club is £1.725 million.Web SiteFor a further insight into Eccleston Park Golf Club visitwww.ecclestonparkgolf.co.ukThe property is held within a separate company withinthe Crown Golf portfolio and thus the sale will be byway of the disposal of the entire issued share capital ofEccleston Park Golf Club Ltd.Stocks are to be taken over by the purchaser, at valuation,on completion of the sale.The sale contract will include a clause reserving apercentage of future non golf/leisure development valueto the vendor.Further Information & ViewingFor further information on Eccleston Park Golf Club, orto arrange an accompanied inspection of the property,please contact:Ben Allen BSc Hons MRICSDirect line: 020 7911 2360Mobile: 07920 812 018Email: ben.allen@gva.co.uk4456

Ben Allen BSc Hons MRICSDirect line: 020 7911 2360Mobile: 07920 812 018Email: ben.allen@gva.co.uk4456Important NoticeGVA is a trading name of GVA Grimley Limited. Conditionsunder which particulars are issued by GVA Grimley Limited forthemselves, for any joint agents and for the vendors or lessorsof this property for whom they act, are:(i) the particulars are set out as a general outline only forthe guidance of intending purchases or lessors and do notconstitute, nor constitute part of, an offer or contract.(ii) all descriptions, dimensions, references to condition andnecessary permission for use and occupation, and otherdetails, are given in good faith and are believed to be correctbut any intending purchasers or tenants should not rely onthem as statements or representations of fact but satisfythemselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness ofeach of them.(iii) no person in the employment of GVA Grimley Limitedor any joint agents has any authority to make or give anyrepresentation or warranty whatever in relation to this property.(iv) all rentals and prices are quoted exclusive of VATReproduced by courtesy of the Controller of HMSO CrownCopyright reserved. Licence No 774359. If applicable,with consent of Chas E Goad, Cartographers, Old Hatfield,Geographers A-Z Map Co Ltd and/or The AutomobileAssociation. For identification purposes only.These particulars were produced in June 2012.Photographs are from archive.