Plans announced for new 18-hole golf course and padel courts at Hemel Hempstead complex

Dacorum Borough Council confirmed it has agreed a 15-year deal which will see Absolutely Together take over management of Little Hay Golf Complex.

As part of the deal the not-for-profit organisation, which looks after a number of leisure facilities within Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, is expected to deliver upgrades to the existing site.

Plans include proposals to create a new 18-hole adventure golf course, four padel courts, five accommodation lodges, and a gaming driving range system.

These additions have not been formally submitted to the planning authority at the time of writing.

This will add to the existing facilities at the arena which include an 18-hole golf course, 23-bay driving range, a six-hole pitch and putt course, a foot and disc area, and a clubhouse.

Dacorum Borough Council revealed the new contract starts on October 1. The authority says the charity provided it with a 15-year masterplan for the site.

Among the agreements made between the organisations is the development of sustainable measures such as solar panels and battery storage at the clubhouse.

Councillor Adrian England said: "This is an exciting step for Little Hay Golf Complex and for our wider health and wellbeing priorities. Absolutely Together will drive long-term investment in the complex, provide opportunities for residents to enjoy golf and outdoor recreation, and tee up new inclusive programmes that help more people across Dacorum get active.

"We are particularly pleased that the proposals include community access, social value and sustainability commitments alongside improvements to the customer experience. This will support Little Hay to become an even more welcoming and inclusive venue for all ages and abilities to get into the swing of an active lifestyle."

Absolutely Together runs a ‘smiles’ programme which enables children to complete exciting athletic activities for free.

The charity’s ceo, Greg Sinclair, said: "Absolutely Together is proud to be recommended as the preferred bidder for the long-term management of Little Hay Golf Complex. We are committed to working with Dacorum Borough Council, local clubs, schools and community partners to build on what makes Little Hay special, while opening up new opportunities through our Smiles initiative, golf development, adventure golf, padel and wider family activities.”