By Martin Walker
Woodham Golf Club has been put up for sale by an estate agent acting on behalf of the administrators for the troubled course.
Woodham closed last November after mounting financial problems took their toll and it was plunged into administrations by its Irish owners, Washington Developments Ltd.
Now, estate agents Savills is looking for offers for the freehold of the 18-hole golf course, although no guide price has been disclosed.
Woodham’s par 73 course is positioned within a 214 acre (87 hectare) site and includes woodland and open land, a 9,367 sq ft (867 sq m) clubhouse, 2,738 sq ft (245 sq m) greenkeeper’s building, practice range and short game practice area.
In addition, planning permission for the development of 50 executive homes, a new golf clubhouse and a 75-bed hotel with conference and spa facilities has been obtained.
Washington Developments had hoped it would rejuvenate the course after spending five years securing the planning, but struggled to raise enough cash to fund it.
It was expected to create at least 150 jobs in its construction and 70 permanent positions.
Woodham Golf Course was originally developed and first opened in 1981, designed by the highly-respected J Hamilton Stutt, a founding member of The British Association of Golf Course Architects.
Abi Goodwin, associate of leisure and trading at Savills, said: “Woodham Golf and Country Club offers purchasers the opportunity to acquire an existing golf facility in close proximity to Darlington, Bishops Auckland and Durham that, with the advantage of an existing planning consent, provides a number of development opportunities in the future.”
Interested should call Abi Goodwin at Savills on 01865 269095.