Premier Hospitality

Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club

Birchwood Park
Written by Roma Publications

Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club

Birchwood Park

After a comprehensive overhaul of its health, leisure and event services, Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club is once again welcoming members and guests to its state-of-the-art facilities. After £5 million of investment, the club is now the standout destination for its type in the area.

Birchwood has long been a popular choice with golfers with its two beautiful courses providing the right balance for both beginners and experts. Following the extensive redesign, the accompanying country club facilities now match the golfing experience.

Highlights of the new state-of-the-art facilities include a hydrotherapy pool and panoramic sauna in the brand new spa, 60 new pieces of luxury gym equipment, a 25 metre swimming pool, a newly built pro shop and a full timetable of over 50 classes per week at the new pool and studios. The main reception area has also been given a total redesign.

Award-winning architects Darnton B3 worked on the project for approximately 3 years, seeing it through from the original planning application to completion. Robert Spencer, Senior Associate Architect at the practice, spoke to Premier Hospitality about the work:

“Initially the brief on the project was quite strict because there was already planning permission in place. However the client was keen to implement some changes which meant a number of revisions to the approved scheme, so we worked closely with Dartford Council Planning Department to ensure that the client was able to fulfil their wishes.

“In terms of the design, we looked at each space independently. The reception area, for example, needed to be welcoming, clean and bright. The fitness studios are a little more dynamic in terms of the approach to the use of colour, for example, one of the exercise bike rooms has been painted black with a cinema screen on one wall to recreate famous cycle tours.

“The biggest contribution to the Club is the new spa area. The LED feature lighting complements the high-end finishes, including the night-sky effect hydrotherapy pool, steam room and panoramic sauna. There’s also a garden spa with hot tub, which is a must-try over the winter months.

It was important that the club remain open while work was carried out and disruption was kept to a minimum. The project was thus divided into phases with a majority of the work carried out at night and on weekends. Main contractor J M Scully, used their knowledge of working in live retail to ensure that the project remained on schedule whilst the venue remained open; Penguin Pools Limited and Anapos were also crucial in the creation of the new spa.

Robert added:

“Now that work has finished, elements like wedding bookings and membership numbers that had dropped off during construction are now picking up once again. It’s not just met expectations, it’s exceeded them.

“It was a challenging project to work on so we are pleased that it’s already proving successful. The completed building sits well in its surroundings and enhances the existing structure through the interwoven relationship between the old and new elevations. The two dominant features of the pool hall and fitness area are a modern take on the vernacular, enhanced with the flying timber trusses. We’re proud of what has been achieved, it’s an excellent addition to our portfolio.”

The refurbishment was given a grand opening at the beginning of April with two nights of celebration. Following a members’ celebration on the Friday night, the Saturday celebrations invited locals to visit Birchwood Park and experience the new facilities first-hand.

Melanie Drake, General Manager at Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club, was also on hand overseeing the activities, commenting:

“It was a great event for all the family, and we were delighted to see so many new faces enjoying the club. The new facilities, including the spa and swimming pool, received great feedback on the day and we had nearly 70 people sign-up there and then for membership.

“Birchwood Park has always been a bustling club full of activity, but now we hope to see even more people choosing to spend their leisure time with us and making full use of the new developments.”

Set in the greenery of Kent’s countryside, Birchwood Park also boasts two golfing options – an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course. The challenging 18-hole course is over 6,000 yards in length and includes tough bunkers and water hazards with mature sculpted fairways and testing greens. The 9-hole course is perfect for beginners looking to hone their skills.

Thanks to the significant investment, Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club is now a market leader in the South of England for both golf and leisure facilities. Its stylish and inventive design creates an environment that people want to be a part of.

Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club offer a range of flexible memberships for health and fitness, golf and the country club as a whole. To find out more, visit www.birchwoodparkgc.co.uk.

Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club is part of Burhill Golf and Leisure limited (BGL Golf), one of the UK’s largest owners and operators of golf courses and facilities. BGL Golf was founded in 1926 and operates 22 golf courses throughout the UK.

Birchwood Park

Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment

Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of some of the most innovative thermal spa equipment to be manufactured here in the UK. Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment has been supplying the UK’s leisure industry for the past 12 years, both to the swimming pool trade and the commercial market, as well as to the high-end residential market.

Past projects for Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment include, The Midland Hotel Manchester, Formby Hall Hotel and Spa, The Coniston Hotel and Spa, Castle Royal Golf Club, The Warwickshire Golf Club, Whittlebury Hall and Spa and Champney’s Eastwell Manor, amongst others. Most recently, Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment has been involved in installing the new Thermal Spa area at Birchwood Park Golf and Country Club.

Martyn Wood, Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment’s Sales Director, said:

“The Birchwood Park project follows on from a scheme we were involved with at Hoebridge Golf Club for the same client, so we were able, once again, to demonstrate the same dedication to this project. This dedication was not only with the client, but also with the main contractor, architect and interior designer, with a view to building a great team relationship for future projects.”

Martyn added:

“At Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment we pride ourselves on our high standards of workmanship, the very latest designs, flexibility within the projects we undertake, working closely with all parties involved in the project and delivering products to the highest standard – on time.”

 

Penguin Swimming Pools Ltd

 

Specialising in the design, supply and installation of swimming pools, health suites and associated works, Penguin Swimming Pools Ltd has been in operation for over 25 years.

From conception to completion, Penguin Swimming Pools are nationwide builders of superior quality pools, committed to guiding clients every step of the way.

New innovations such as moving floors, booms to separate indoor and outdoor pools, fibre optic lighting and different types of materials used to line swimming pools, give the establishment the leading edge in its field.

The company delivers a variety of developments working with a range of clients, providing and maintaining swimming pools of various forms. Working on Birchwood Park was one of Penguin Swimming Pools’ recent projects.

A spokesperson from Penguin Swimming Pools told Premier Hospitality:

“Penguin Swimming Pools built the pool at Birchwood Park. This was a prestigious project for J M Scully.

“As a company we pride ourselves on our knowledge, expertise and commitment; each project is treated on an individual basis.”

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