A NEW mini-golf course in Colchester's Castle Park is set to open next month.

Putt in the Park was given permission to build the 14 hole course by Colchester Council earlier this year.

It is the firm's first course outside London and is being built in the lower part of the Colchester beauty spot close to the area known as Duncan’s Gate.

The plans have seen the upper bowling green converted, on the eastern side of the park, and the old bowling pavilion demolished.

The golf course, designed to reflect the town's Roman heritage, will be teamed with a new pavilion cafe and clubhouse where players can enjoy a meal and a tipple.

The course is due to open in August and the team are now looking to hire employees.

Gazette:

  • How the course in Acton, London, looks

Justin Fish, co-founder of Putt in the Park said: “We chose Colchester as our first course outside of London because Castle Park is one of the most popular and best maintained parks we have seen.

"By converting a redundant bowling green, we will bring a new form of entertainment to the young and the old, the sporty and the sedentary, and will offer free entry to local schools who apply.

"We hope that it will become an appealing local employer, and be enjoyed by all age groups in the future.”

The course caused controversy last month when residents raised fears about potential late-night boozing.

It came as the form lodged a licensing application which said the company wanted to serve alcohol on and off site throughout the day and until 11pm at night.

But Mr Fish said the firm only planned to serve alcohol when the park is open and people would not be taking it away from the course.

Putt in the Park already has courses in Battersea, Acton and Wandsworth.

People interested in applying for jobs should email brian@puttinthepark.com.