COWDRAY PARK GOLF CLUB LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR RE-DESIGN OF NEW CLUB FACILITIES

Cowdray Park Golf Club's unique position in a Grade II listed park at the foot of the South Downs in an area designated of outstanding natural beauty has prompted the Trustees of the Cowdray Estate, led by Viscount Cowdray, to launch a competition for the sensitive re-design of new facilities for the Club.

The Royal Institute of British Architects has agreed to manage the competition which incorporates plans for a new clubhouse as well as a separate dormy house to accommodate overnight guests. Entries are being invited from a selected list of architect-led teams with relevant experience from both the UK and overseas.

RIBA's Competitions Office believes there will be substantial interest in this rare opportunity. Viscount Cowdray, President of Cowdray Park Golf Club, comments:

"We are privileged that Britain's most noted landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown designed the parkland on which our golf course is sited. Mindful of this heritage, and at the same time recognising that our building plans will be completed in the first year of the new Millennium, the Trustees felt the need for an innovative approach. We are delighted that the Royal Institute of British Architects has agreed to help us achieve the most creative solution to this exciting challenge."

Cowdray Park Golf Club has involved English Heritage throughout the planning stages. Landscape architect for English Heritage, Mr Andrew Wimble, adds:

"Cowdray Park Golf Club has followed the right course of action both in asking for our advice on the historical and environmental implications of this project at an early stage, and in seeking to develop proposals which will achieve a very sympathetic harmonisation of buildings and landscape on this significant historical site."

A panel of judges has been elected to choose the winning design. This will be headed by Lord Cowdray and will include international golfer and commentator Peter Alliss.

An Advisory Panel has also been co-opted to give its views on the designs to the Jury Panel. Golf Club members and local residents will have the opportunity to view and comment on the shortlisted entries during mid-July and the winning design will be announced at the end of the month.

For further information please contact Liz Higgins at the Press Office on +44 (0)181 933 8383.