Key Benefits

The economics team at Quod have started to prepare indicative economics benefit statement, which you can view below:

  • The golf club currently employs 145 people, of which approximately 90% live locally. It is estimated that this could increase to 435 jobs once the development is complete, further increasing local employment opportunities.

  • There will be local labour, skills and training opportunities in place to ensure local people have access to employment opportunities during the construction and operational phases.

  • The golf club currently uses, and will continue to use, local food providers such as Watts Farm for fresh produce, Shephard Neame Brewers and Albion Fine Foods in Tonbridge and Maidstone. The aspiration is to be self-sufficient with the potential for growing on site and a farm-to-table concept.

  • The proposals will be a catalyst for tourism in the wider area, particularly through the new visitor accommodation.

  • The proposals are estimated to have the following quantifiable economic impact:
    • £1million per year uplift in additional employee spending
    • Overnight guests could generate approximately £8million per year in visitor spending
    • £11.5million per year in Gross Value Added (GVA)
    • An uplift in business rate revenue (a proportion of which would go to each local authority of Sevenoaks District Council and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council)

  • Provision of new Sports Turf Academy, providing education and training to the benefit of the local community and existing sports clubs and bodies.

  • Creation of a Golf Academy/Centre of Excellence for the benefit of the wider community.

  • A community outreach programme that involves partnering with local schools and community groups as well as targeting under-represented groups including golfers with a disability.

  • Significant enhancement to existing sports provision in the District and Borough resulting in a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of local people.

  • New facilities to host charity and community events that can be secured through a community outreach programme.

  • Delivery of a carbon net zero development.

  • Proposals and buildings that exceed current sustainability standards.

  • Biodiversity improvement through new planting, trees and water features.

  • Incorporating food growing opportunities.

  • Incorporation of a combined Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) for hospitality and golf use to maximise the reuse of water to assist with irrigation requirements.

  • Greater public access and inclusivity.