A NEW operator is being sought for Sherdley Park Golf Course, with an asking price reportedly set at more than £2million

The site has been run by Green Circle Estates Limited, under a 150-year lease agreement with St Helens Council, since 2018.

Limited details of the deal were made public at the time, with Green Circle described as the council's "operating partner".

After reports in the golf business media that the course was on the market, which sparked concern among members, the tenants have confirmed to the Star that they plan to exit Sherdley Park to prioritise major renovation projects at other golf courses in the region.

St Helens Borough Council says that under the agreement signed in 2018 it remains the landlord and it has the "necessary controls" in place to secure the land's future purpose as a golf course.

Green Circle said the condition of the golf course and the clubhouse facilities at Sherdley Park have undergone “significant improvement” over the past five years, after more than £2m of investment, generating approximately 40 permanent jobs at the site.

Green Circle also operates two other former municipal golf courses, Allerton Manor and Kirkby Valley, in Liverpool, with major renovation works are planned at both sites.

A spokesperson said: “Given the ongoing and proposed works and investment required at both Allerton Manor and Kirkby Valley we believe the time is right for us to exit Sherdley Park and pass the 145-year ground lease to a new custodian, who will no doubt seek to improve both the golf course and the clubhouse facilities further again.”

They described the business model at Sherdley Golf Club as “stable” adding there are “opportunities to further invest and improve the offer and profitability”. They said all current jobs at the site will be protected.

The site includes The Park Bar & Kitchen clubhouse restaurant and bar.

Green Circle claimed there are “clear strategic opportunities at Sherdley Park for a buyer to exploit” including the refurbishment of the driving range on Marshalls Cross Road which has been closed for the past four years and “scope for an adventure golf course on the driving range site, and possibly other leisure uses”.

The Green Circle spokesperson added they expect the sale process to take approximately six months adding they are “keen to secure the right buyer who will commit to enhancing the facilities and operation further”, adding that business will continue “as usual” at the site in the meantime.

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: "St Helens Borough Council is the landlord for land and premises at Sherdley Park, which were leased to the tenant in 2018 for a term of 150 years.

“The lease specifies permitted uses, and that the tenant shall not assign the lease without prior written consent of the council.

"The site is a key asset for residents of St Helens and is popular with visitors from across the region.

“We therefore remain absolutely committed to its continuing use as a golf course and have the necessary controls in place to secure its future purpose.

“No assignment of the lease has been requested nor consented.”

Agent HMH Golf says it expects “strong interest” in the Sherdley Park Golf Course site.

Tom Marriott, of HMH Golf & Leisure, said: “This is an opportunity to acquire a very attractive fully refurbished golf course and clubhouse.

“The club is centrally located in St Helens, adjoining the popular Sherdley Park.

“The business has an excellent turnover and profitability.

“Currently there are few golf clubs available in the market and we expect strong interest”.