Proposals for a pod-style driving range and adventure golf course at Basingstoke Leisure Park will be taken forward as part of plans to reprovide facilities currently at Basingstoke Golf Centre.

In January, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet decided to investigate Down Grange and the leisure park as possible new homes for the golf facilities, including a pitch and putt course, driving range and adventure golf course.

This came after the council agreed a conditional land deal in July 2024 for Great Wolf Resorts to build an indoor water park resort on the Basingstoke Golf Centre site next to the leisure park. Facilities at the golf centre would remain open until the Great Wolf development progresses, subject to getting planning permission.

Since the decision was taken, proposals for reproviding the facilities have been explored, including putting a six-hole pitch and putt course on an area south of Down Grange House and locations for a golf training and practice pod to replace the current driving range at a smaller scale.

Following positive discussions with sports bodies and extensive engagement with Down Grange clubs, the wider community and golf centre users, proposals for the leisure park will be considered by Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 6 January.

This would see a golf-pod style driving range and 18-hole adventure golf course created on unused land overlooking Churchill Way West, subject to getting planning permission.

Work will continue to consider the right longer-term location for a new pitch and putt course. Councillors on the Resident Services Committee will review the investigation work carried out to date and share their views on how a new pitch and putt course could be best provided in the borough for the future.

The recommendations from the committee will be considered as part of the report taken to Cabinet in January 2026.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “Exploring options to reprovide these important golf facilities has been challenging and hearing everyone’s views has been vital in shaping our thinking. People have told us how much they value Down Grange and we’ve also heard passionate stories on how the golf centre nurtures local talent and helps people to stay active and healthy.

“Back in January, we promised that we would reserve land at the leisure park to explore options and we have been progressing this work alongside investigating Down Grange to find a solution that works for everybody.

 “We have listened carefully and believe that delivering a driving range pod and 18-hole family adventure golf course – two of the most well used attractions – at the leisure park is the best solution to reproviding these facilities as quickly as possible, as well as creating new leisure experiences for everyone. Separately, we will continue to investigate the best location for a new pitch and putt course for the future elsewhere in the borough. We are committed to protecting these valued entry-level sports facilities that introduce people to the game of golf, provide a fun activity for families and actively support the wellbeing of our residents.

“We look forward to hearing the views of councillors on the Resident Services Committee and their recommendations that we will consider at our meeting in January."