Plans to reopen a shutdown Wirral golf course have taken a major step forward with a proposed deal for the site's future. Brackenwood Golf Course in Bebington was closed by Wirral Council in 2022 in an effort to drive down the authority's costs.
Since its closure, efforts have continued to ensure the course will one day reopen. After a long battle, a new lease looks set to secure the future of the golf course. The proposed arrangements will make sure the public still have access to key areas of the site.
Lease negotiations progress
The council's policy and resources (P&R) committee had considered the future of the golf course at a meeting in December 2025. The committee agreed that the council's chief executive should negotiate and finalise a lease to a community interest company to be created by Link Golf (UK) Limited or an appropriate occupier.
Since the committee meeting, which is coming up to 12 months ago, officers have been working to put the agreed lease in place, including working with Unilever on addressing legal agreements affecting the site.
Plans for an 18-hole course
The proposed agreement includes a rent-free period to reflect the cost of the works identified to reinstate and open an 18-hole golf course for public play, comprising a full course layout with a mixture of par three and par five holes.
Under the agreement the leaseholder would be responsible for ensuring that all relevant consents, including planning, are secured prior to any re-modelling works.
Council and councillor responses
Wirral Council's leader, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: "Brackenwood is a valued community asset that has been enjoyed by generations of residents, and these leasing arrangements are an important step towards securing its long-term future."
"We want to see golf thriving at Brackenwood again, with a full 18-hole course brought back into use, while ensuring people continue to have access to the park. There is still work to do, but this is real progress towards giving Brackenwood a sustainable future that residents can continue to enjoy."
Local ward councillor, Ed Lamb, told the ECHO: "Bebington Green councillors supported the proposed lease to Link Golf, and we’re pleased to see progress towards bringing golf back to Brackenwood. It has taken longer than we hoped, but there have been complex legal issues to work through. We particularly welcome Brackenwood Park remaining with the council and open for everyone to enjoy."
"Protecting wildlife, the green belt and public access has been central to our support, and we want to see those commitments carried through as the plans move forward. There’s still work to do, but this is welcome progress. Residents have waited a long time. Let’s get on with it!"
