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Draft Final Report, 19 th July, 2012
Action
Investors should continue to be actively sought for the
development of a marina, hotel and complementary facilities
at Little Bay. MDC has the main responsibility.
Shamrock Moorings to be encouraged in its efforts to provide
moorings and other facilities and amenities at Little Bay.
24.6 GOLF DEVELOPMENT
Objective
The objective is to assess the
feasibility of the redevelopment
of golf tourism
in Montserrat.
Context
Prior to Soufriere's second
eruption, which covered the
Belham Valley in rubble and
ash, the Montserrat Golf Club
offered 11 holes (from nine
tees) and a number of tennis
courts.
As part of the work undertaken for the National Tourism
Strategy and Plan (Government of Montserrat, May 2003), a
physical and indicative least-cost financial feasibility
assessment of re-establishing golf at the most preferred or
optimum site was undertaken, taking into account the various
constraints of access, threat from volcanic activity, etc.
As part of this study, a golf ‘audit’ was carried at identified
sites.
The audit’s findings were that, there were only two realistic
possibilities - Waterworks Estate and Belham Valley -, where
golf could be developed, with Waterworks seen as the only
site where a regional or world class facility could be
developed which could accommodate an 18 hole golf course.
This development would be a serious driver of tourism activity
would require adjacent residential development of
approximately 350 villas and other leisure facilities to make
the project viable.
The Consultant also assessed other possible sites where golf
could be developed (including Blake’s Estate and Old Quaw),
but because of factors such as access, ground water, terrain
etc., conclude that they would be more expensive to develop.
He came down in favour of Waterworks – but, while not in the
exclusion zone, its proximity to the Volcano made it a high risk
site. In the meantime, residents have developed a pitch-andputt
“fun” layout at Old Towne, while others are seeking to
create 2/3 full holes at Belham Valley.
However, new information suggests that it might be worthwhile
re-visiting this subject and an updated golf ‘audit’ should be
carried out to assess the feasibility of the development of golf
at Blake’s, Silver Hills or Old Quaw (where the existing road is
due to be completed), but particularly Blake’s. The reasons
are:
• Under the PDP Policies RL4 and TE2, land is allocated for
the private development of a golf course on what is
described as ‘very attractive landscape’ at Blake’s estate
(with the proviso that proposals must ensure that
affordable local access to the golf course is prioritized);
• Electricity is now available at Blake’s both at the football
ground (which has flood lights) and will presumably be
provided to the old plantation house;
MONTSERRAT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2012 – 2022
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