Macdonald announces joint venture for luxury golf resort

Macdonald Hotels has announced a joint venture with the operators of Hill Valley Golf Club in Shropshire, Albert and Tony Minshall, to create a luxury hotel, golf and country club at the site.

The facility already features the Emerald and Sapphire golf courses but is to see a £7m investment to add 80 luxury bedrooms, a leisure club and spa and the refurbishment of existing bedrooms and the function and restaurant areas of the clubhouse.

The leisure club will be Macdonald’s Vital brand and include an 18m swimming pool, Technogym-equipped fitness suite, sauna and steamrooms. A self-contained spa will offer treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a solarium.

Work is expected to start early next year.

Macdonald Hotels and the Minshalls will each take a 50 per cent stake in the development, with the Minshalls continuing to manage the golfing operations, while Macdonald will manage the clubhouse and oversee the project.

Patrick Dempsey, chief executive of Macdonald Hotels, said: “The potential of Hill Valley is enormous. It is in a stunning location with two fantastic golf courses and the addition of luxury bedrooms and a leisure club will be a perfect complement to this.

“I have no doubt we will benefit hugely from the substantial experience and knowledge of golf which our new partners bring to this venture. Details: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk