PICTURES: First look at planned Cabot Highland clubhouse expansion at Castle Stuart golf links
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Artists' impressions have been released in connection with plans for a big expansion of the clubhouse at Cabot Highland Golf Club.
Cabot Highland is working to add a second 18-hole course to its golf links at Castle Stuart, with a view to opening the new course by the end of 2024.
And as part of that masterplan, the company is also seeking to carry out a large expansion of the existing clubhouse to accommodate the increased number of visitors that this second course will bring.
Plans for the expanded clubhouse, a new cart barn and a significant upgrade of the car park were submitted to Highland Council last month.
And, in a planning statement it recently submitted in connection with that application, Cabot Highland has revealed images of the appearance of the clubhouse if the works get the green light.
Related: Cabot Highlands lodges plans with Highland Council for expansion of Castle Stuart links clubhouse
Under the proposals the existing clubhouse would be expanded to the north and south, with the largest changes coming at its southern gable. This southern end would include the erection of an entire new 'wing' to the clubhouse, which would feature an open air roofed walkway that would link it to the existing building.
The single-storey 'wing' would house a new, larger pro shop – replacing the one inside the existing clubhouse – as well as store and plant rooms, outdoor accessible bathrooms, changing rooms and a pantry.
Elsewhere, there would also be interior layout changes to the existing building. These would result in additional dining space, the creation of a snug bar where the current pro shop is, and more.
The second floor lounge would also become a whisky bar, while the extension of lower levels to the north would also add additional terrace space on this upper floor.
Once completed, the new extensions and interior changes would add around 11,000 square feet to the overall footprint of the building.
The work is part of a wider masterplan for the site that also includes the additional new course and a range of new buildings – including 25 new cottages. It is thought the multimillion-pound development could create up to 175 new jobs.
In their supporting statement, a spokesperson for Cabot Highland, said: "The proposal involves the alteration and extension of the existing clubhouse to meet the anticipated demand that will be generated by the delivery of the second 18-hole course. The extension has enabled a review of the existing internal layout with these areas reconfigured to provide enhanced facilities."
They continued: "The upgrade of the car park area and demarcation of the parking spaces will aid circulation as will the proposed changes to the access arrangements. There are no infrastructure constraints, and the location of the clubhouse ensures that the proposed changes will have no adverse impact on residential amenity.
"The design includes quality material finishes commensurate with the character of the existing and proposed buildings. Castle Stuart, now Cabot Highland, is an important local employer and renowned golf facility. This proposal will deliver enhanced facilities securing the long term success of the golf club."
