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White Horse appointed for major construction project at Heythrop Park
White Horse Contractors Ltd were appointed by Firoka (Heythrop Park) Ltd in March 2008 for the construction of a new eighteen hole golf course replacing a small nine hole course.
The new golf course has been designed by golf course architect Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie and Ebert Ltd.
Construction work will involve the creation of a full 18-hole course, with practice area and water storage facility within the historical estate of Heythrop Park. The site sits on the edge of the Cotswolds and the park, originally being the country seat of the Duke of Shrewsbury, is one of the oldest and most important parks in England.
As part of the project the park is being turned back to its former glory including substantial restoration of the parkland, parts of which over the years had been turned into forestry and agricultural use.
The works commenced in March 2008 with major clearance work, carefully preserving original large mature trees, desilting of existing lakes/ ponds and the construction of a reservoir to facilitate the water supply for the irrigation system.
Earthmoving is being kept to a minimum in order not to spoil the natural characteristics of the parkland site, which enjoys relatively steep sided river/ stream valleys with a central limestone plateau area.
The site presents a variety of drainage problems, ranging from poor draining clay soils to lighter soils with high water tables to strong spring activity on the steeper slopes with free draining limestone on the central plateau area. A comprehensive drainage system is to be installed to deal with the drainage issues, and where practical the creation of water features will be incorporated.
The work will include for the high quality construction of all greens and tees, bunkers etc and the provision of a comprehensive drainage and water harvesting system, together with a full fairway irrigation system.
The site is suffering from a variety of drainage problems, ranging from poor draining clay soils to lighter soils with high water tables to strong spring activity on the steeper slopes with free draining limestone on the central plateau area. A comprehensive drainage system is to be installed to deal with the drainage issues, and where practical the creation of water features will be incorporated.
Pathways are to be constructed with bridges over the streams to provide access to the various holes.
The site and new golf course design have all the ingredients for the construction of a prestigious, top class golf course set in beautiful Oxfordshire surroundings.
The construction is scheduled for completion this autumn with projected opening of Spring 2010.
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