Virtual golf lined up for Hampshire air ambulance HQ as padel idea dropped
Permission is being sought to install a virtual golf simulator in the space, along with a spa, bar and restaurant and retail store
A virtual golf attraction could be coming to an air ambulance charity’s new headquarters after padel tennis was ruled out.
The chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) revealed that part of its base near Southampton Airport could be occupied by a golf simulator business, with the scheme currently going through the planning process.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the Airport Consultative Committee on October 2.
Speaking to committee members, chief executive of HIOWAA Richard Corbett said half of the building remains available and could soon be used for the leisure attraction.
He said Parclub Holdings Ltd is seeking permission to install a virtual golf simulator in the space, along with a spa, bar and restaurant and retail store.
Mr Corbett said: “If that is successful, then next time you come, you will be able to have a quick round of golf.”
He explained that the arrangement would provide rental income for the charity while also increasing footfall to the building, adding: “Not only will they be paying rent, but there will be people coming into the building who can see what our operation is all about.
“We rely on that support so much.”
The discussion prompted a question about whether the space could instead be used for padel tennis, one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.
Cllr Susan Cook, who represents Colden Common and Twyford on Winchester City Council, said: “There is another sport doing particularly well currently, which is padel tennis.
“Have you thought about that as well? There is a lot of money in that.”
Mr Corbett said: “We are not running the set-up; we are just renting out the space.
“One of the other organisations that was looking round did look at putting in padel courts, but ultimately the space was not large enough to make it economic.”
He praised Southampton Airport and members of the committee for their help and support in moving the charity’s base from Thruxton to Southampton.
He said the aim was always to be at the airport, but pushback from former airline operator Flybe meant that was not possible 20 years ago.
Mr Corbett said: “We had a number of many happy years at Thruxton, but ultimately it was in the wrong place.
“We totally rely on donations, so it is absolutely vital for us to get people through the door to understand we are not a publicly funded body; we are a voluntary-funded body.
“This space is all about getting that throughput of people so they can understand what we are all about.”
Eastleigh Borough Council is expected to make a decision on the golf plans by October 28.