Historic Whittington Heath Golf Club’s former clubhouse set to be demolished for HS2

Whittington Heath Golf Club's former clubhouse, the former Victorian Racecourse Grandstand building and World War One soldiers' home, which is situated on the A51 between Tamworth and Lichfield, will be bisected by the rail line, resulting in the loss of five holes and the demolition of its historic clubhouse, greenkeeper's compound and halfway house.

Former Whittington golf club clubhouse set to be demolished for HS2

The footpath directly by the house has now been cordoned off and signs have appeared saying 'danger - demolition in progress'.

We reported back in 2016 that The Government agreed a deal with the club to pay for a major redevelopment on neighbouring land comprising a replacement clubhouse, five new holes, practice range, remodelling of five existing holes and a new car park.

The application, approved by Lichfield District Council, will preserve land unaffected by HS2 construction which has connections to the military and records dating back to King William III. The new clubhouse to be constructed will be accessed from a new roadway off Common Lane, nearer Whittington village.

At the time, club captain Pete Espin said: "After consultation with members about the course of action we should take, we made a conscious decision to work with HS2 and preserve 130 years of golf and a much longer history for the overall site.

"We could simply have accepted the HS2 route as a signal for the course's closure but we've worked closely with them and we're delighted with the outcome under the circumstances."

A HS2 spokesperson said: "We are delighted that the members of Whittington Heath Golf Club have been able to secure new land that will enable its long golfing traditions to continue into the future."

You can read the original article from BirminghamLive HERE