A bid for a brand new sports and leisure development at Dundonald Links could nearly triple employment at the golf course.

Plans to erect a new clubhouse - with bar, lounge and catering facilities - as well as 97 holiday lodges (comprising 124 units) were submitted to North Ayrshire Council this month.

New owners, Darwin Leisure Development, state the plans would increase employment from 22 to 61 across the golf course and deliver a new permanent golf clubhouse which has been a longterm goal at the site for years.

They also plan to extend existing maintenance and housekeeping buildings, install a covered structure for buggy charging, halfway house, swing studio, gatehouse and remove the temporary clubhouse.

They also plan to form a new road access onto Ayr Road and a new 120 space car park.

Planning documents state: "The temporary golf clubhouse would be replaced with a high quality two storey, contemporary ‘landmark’ clubhouse which will significantly improve the Site’s existing offer, and help to visually improve and enhance the site, compared to the existing clubhouse which was only ever intended as a short-term temporary facility.

"This proposal also includes an accommodation package in the form of high specification holiday lodges, catering for a wide range of guests. 

"This will help to diversify the existing service offer and attract tourism to the local area."

After the acquisition back in March, Anthony Esse, Chief Executive of Darwin Alternatives said: “Dundonald Links is world-renowned for good reason, it is simply a stunning place to play golf, and we plan to make a significant investment to ensure that the clubhouse facilities are worthy of this wonderful course and that Dundonald Links becomes one of the finest golf clubs in the UK.