Decision on Caird Park golf course and Broughty Castle looms as closure recommended
Two Dundee attractions could shut their doors for good as councillors asked to approve closures
Dundee’s Caird Park golf courses and Broughty Castle could close for good next year as councillors are set to decide their fate.
It was revealed earlier this year that leisure and culture chiefs in Dundee were looking to close the attractions in a bid to save £500,000 each year.
The plans also included the closure of Mill’s Observatory.
Falling visitor numbers and rising costs were among the key reasons for the proposed closure of the attractions.
A public consultation was later launched which sought local opinions on the closure plans.
The result of the consultation will now go before councillors at a city governance committee on Monday, with council officers recommending that both Caird Park Golf Course and Broughty Castle be axed.
Caird Park
A total of 598 people submitted feedback for the Caird Park consultation, with 82% saying its closure would have a negative impact on them.
Among the alternative options up forward by the public were:
- Increasing fees and membership
- Reducing opening times
- Increasing apeal through offering classes and coaching
- Closing just one course
However, officers said the consultation responses provided “no practical options” which would reduce the deficit position of the golf course significantly enough to make it viable going forward.
It has been recommended that Caird Park golf course cease operation from April 30 2025.
Broughty Castle
The Broughty Castle consultation received 933 responses, with 91% of people saying its closure would have a negative impact on them.
Alternative suggestions put forward by the public included the introduction of entry fees, hosting events and a seasonal closure.
But officers say an admission charge for the castle museum cannot be implemented as the collection inside “belongs to the people of Dundee” and legislation prevents any charge to enter.
And due to the network of historically important tunnels in the vicinity of the castle, the space outside cannot be used for events.
It’s therefore been recommended that the council should end its lease from October 31 2025.
Mills Observatory
The closure of Dundee’s Mills Observatory was also considered in the original proposals.
However, £95,000 worth of funding has been secured by Leisure and Culture Dundee for the next three to five years.
Officers say that given the interest in supporting Mills Observatory, combined with the new funding, Mills Observatory should remain open and operated by LACD.
Decision not take lightly
Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “I am grateful to the almost 2,500 people who took the time, not only to take part in the consultation but also to offer up ideas for different ways that these services could be paid for.
“The decision to stop delivering any services in the city is not something that is done lightly, and all reasonable suggestions have been explored.
“These recommendations show just how challenging the financial position is as work goes into balancing the books for the next financial year.”
The proposals will go before councillors for a decision at the city governance committee on Monday.