Plans to further develop a ‘heritage and eco country park’ at a former Sunderland golf course are set to go before councillors for decision next week. In recent years, Sunderland City Council has been looking at new uses for the vacant 61-hectare Elemore Golf Course site in the Hetton ward.
Regeneration plans were developed following a council ‘Let’s Talk’ public consultation, with local residents calling for the site to be transformed into “usable green space” and for measures to address antisocial behaviour. The wider vision for the site included the creation of a heritage and eco country park boosting biodiversity and providing education and leisure facilities for visitors.
In February, 2022, the first phase of works were given the green light which included converting existing golf club buildings on site into a community-run garden centre and café. A hybrid planning application, submitted in 2022, proposed changing the wider golf course area into a heritage and eco park with associated infrastructure, such as woodland planting and car parking.
