Project Summary
Coffey was engaged to deliver the construction of a new 18-hole championship-standard golf course on a 60-hectare site in Inverness, to replace the former Torvean Golf Course affected by the Inverness Western Link Road project. Designed by renowned golf course architect Stuart Rennie, the development also included groundwork and services for a future 28-home residential development, a new site access road, and substantial landscaping and environmental enhancement measures. The works transformed previously rough grazing and parkland into a high-specification, ecologically integrated recreational facility.
Project Description
The new golf course, located in the southwestern suburbs of Inverness, was developed across 60 hectares of rough pasture and woodland. Two of the 18 holes were integrated into the footprint of the former course. Works included large-scale earthworks, land drainage installation, irrigation systems, topsoil management, and final shaping and seeding of greens, fairways, and water features.
Environmental sensitivity was paramount due to the proximity of active woodland and surface water features. Significant landscaping was undertaken, including the planting of over 20,000 trees and the creation of 16,000 m² of constructed wetlands designed to support biodiversity. Architectural features such as sleeper bridges, benches, and reclaimed masonry walls were also integrated.
Alongside the golf course, the project included enabling works for a residential development of 28 homes, and the construction of a 250 m access road and junction off General Booth Road.
Scope of Works
- Construction of a new 18-hole golf course including USGA-spec greens, fairways, bunkers, and water features.
- Extensive earthworks: 38,000 m³ cut-and-fill and 40,000 m³ topsoil handling.
- Installation of 21,000 m of land drainage, 2,500 m of lined ditches, and collector drains.
- Full irrigation system with mechanical/electrical water transfer, booster station, PE pipework, and sprinklers.
- Creation of 16,000 m² wetlands with geomembrane and GCL liners for biodiversity.
- Planting of 20,000+ trees, 31,000 shrubs, and 3,000 hedging plants.
- Construction of reclaimed-material features: timber bridges, stone walls, and gravel paths.
- Groundworks and services for 28 new houses and 250 m site access road with junction onto General Booth Road.
Technical Highlights
- Full 18-hole golf course construction to architectural specification including USGA-standard greens and engineered bunkers.
- 38,000 m³ cut/fill operation and 40,000 m³ topsoil handling across 60 hectares.
- Installation of 21,000 m of land drainage and 2,500 m of ditches to manage site water.
16,000 m² of wetlands engineered with GCL and geomembranes to promote biodiversity. - Construction of architectural features from reclaimed materials including benches, walls, and crossings.
- Installation of advanced irrigation system including booster station and sprinkler network.
- Preparation and servicing of 28 house plots with integrated road infrastructure.
- Over 54,000 trees, shrubs, and hedges planted, enhancing biodiversity and local landscape character.
Added Value
- Seamless integration of the new golf course into the existing landscape and surrounding community infrastructure.
- Dual-purpose development benefiting recreation and future residential use.
- Strong focus on sustainable construction and habitat creation through wetland design and native planting.
- Use of reclaimed and local materials to lower carbon impact and enhance site authenticity.
- Delivered a high-profile project with complex earthworks, environmental, and recreational elements within a constrained urban fringe setting.
Environmental and Community Measures
- Wetlands designed to support aquatic fauna and act as living ecological habitats.
- Extensive planting of native tree and shrub species to restore natural character and enhance biodiversity.
- Reuse of natural materials (timber sleepers, boulders, stone masonry) to reduce waste and preserve site character.
- Protection and enhancement of existing tree root zones during construction.
- Construction of gravel paths and bridges using locally sourced aggregates, supporting community access.
Planning a project that requires civil engineering expertise?
Coffey delivers technically robust, high-quality solutions across sectors — from infrastructure upgrades to specialist projects like golf courses. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.
