New Teignbridge business swings into action
Teignbridge District Council has welcomed the return of mini golf to Tucks Plot in Dawlish with a new business getting into the swing of things this summer.
Earlier this year Teignbridge advertised for expressions of interest to take on the running of the mini golf so that it could be open all year round to attract visitors. Offering an iconic spot close to Dawlish seafront, the popular location attracted the attention of four applicants who each made rental offers for the popular visitor attraction.
After successfully submitting a business plan to the council, enterprising businessman Robert Phipps received support and commercial advice from Teignbridge to ensure the new Safari Adventure Golf was up and running in early July, ready for the busy visitor season and taking full advantage of the excellent weather.
Open 7 days a week, Safari Adventure Golf offers family fun for all ages and has already proven a popular draw for locals and visitors.
Mini golf had previously been run by Teignbridge since 2003 before a decision was made in January 2017 to let the business opportunity privately. By granting a lease on the premises, much needed investment has been made to enhance the playing experience and improve the aesthetics of the leisure facility. In addition the attraction now offers longer opening hours, providing extended enjoyment for visitors and residents.
Cllr Timothy Golder, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive for Economy, Skills and Tourism, said:
“Teignbridge District Council is working hard to support local businesses and we welcome the return of mini golf to Dawlish, particularly to such a prominent and popular location. The timing of this new business venture couldn’t have been better to coincide with the busy tourist season and the fantastic weather we’ve been experiencing this summer.
“It is encouraging to see that enterprising business people are prepared to invest in our district and these are exciting times for Teignbridge. With lots of great business opportunities across the district, we are here to support and help.”
Safari Adventure Golf owner, Robert Phipps, said: “When the opportunity came up to take on the running of the mini golf in Dawlish then this was too good to miss. Having grown up in the area I’ve seen what a popular attraction it is and in such a wonderful location just a stone’s throw from Dawlish beach.
"It’s been hard work to have everything ready in time for the summer season and I would like to thank everyone for their support in helping getting our business up and running. I look forward to welcoming locals and visitors for a round of golf."
Cllr Lisa Mayne, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East and Mayor of Dawlish Town Council, said: “It’s fantastic that such a prominent position in the centre of Dawlish has had a new lease of life injected in to it by this wonderful mini golf. I have no doubt that it will be a great success for Mr and Mrs Phipps who have had the confidence to put so much hard work and money into this venture.”
Cllr Martin Wrigley, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “I’m very happy to see this re-built mini-golf area open and attracting tourists and residents alike. I’ve been watching the amount of investment go into this site and I think it will be a great asset for Dawlish. I wish the mini-golf team every success and I suggest to everyone - come down and try it out!”
Teignbridge has a proven record of supporting local businesses – last year helping transform former council owned toilet blocks into new seaside businesses at Holcombe and Dawlish Warren and also supporting the new Coryton Cove Café in Dawlish – and as part of its ten year strategy Teignbridge remains committed to investing in prosperity, encouraging new business and enable existing ones to grow.
