Tracy Park Hotel & Golf Club near Bath recently closed its doors after being sold to a private buyer. The venue, which features two championship 18-hole golf courses and a Grade II listed 40-bed hotel, was put on the market with a guide price of £12m. The 240-acre estate was originally the home of the Tracy family for 300 years before being transformed into a golf hotel in 1974.
In an email to members, the general manager Greg Shaw, whose family previously owned the estate, expressed his disappointment at the closure. He explained that despite initial plans to develop Tracy Park into a premier golf and leisure destination, the current planning constraints and business model made it unviable. Despite investing £300,000 in planning applications, there was little support or belief that their ambitions could be realized under the existing circumstances.
Numerous potential purchasers and operators had viewed the property and examined its historical trading figures and planning applications. Ultimately, all leisure operators determined that Tracy Park would not be a sustainable venture given the current limitations. However, a private individual expressed interest in purchasing the property, and a deal was reached. This sudden turn of events was undoubtedly a shock to many members and brought a sense of sadness to the community.
The closure of Tracy Park comes as a significant blow to Shaw and his family, who had envisioned raising their young family on the property. Unfortunately, their hopes for the future were dashed by the unforeseen turn of events. Despite their sadness, Shaw expressed gratitude for the time they spent at Tracy Park and the memories they created there.
Moving forward, the fate of Tracy Park remains uncertain under its new ownership. The closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the leisure and hospitality industry, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic and changing economic landscape. The closure also highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
As Tracy Park transitions into a new chapter under private ownership, there is hope that the venue will find a way to thrive and potentially overcome the challenges that led to its closure. The legacy of the Tracy family and the history of the estate will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the community and those who had the opportunity to experience the venue. Only time will tell what the future holds for Tracy Park and how it will continue to evolve in the years to come.
