New Forest District Council has announced a "fundamental review" into the long-term future of Dibden Golf Centre after its current operator, Mytime Active, served notice to terminate its contract in March 2027.

The council is opening a procurement process to secure a three-year transitional operator for the venue near Southampton, Hampshire, while it evaluates options for the site.

Short-Term Operator Search and Procurement Timeline

The council plans to launch the procurement process on November 18. The proposed three-year agreement aims to maintain regular operations at the facility while the council evaluates long-term options.

"The three-year agreement will provide continuity for customers while giving the council flexibility to keep future arrangements for the site under review," a council spokesperson said.

The Conservative-led authority stated that the procurement process will be "open to interested providers, including the current operator Mytime Active, should they wish to make a bid."

Operations at the site will continue as normal during the selection process.

Changing Market Conditions and Future Uses

A cabinet report noted that 37,000 rounds of golf were played across the venue's nine-hole and 18-hole courses during the 2025/26 financial year. However, changing market conditions mean any subsequent agreement will likely feature "materially different commercial terms to those contained within the current contract."

The report detailed the council's intent to examine broader options for the venue:

"It is considered appropriate to undertake a more fundamental review of the facility to determine whether alternative operating arrangements, investment opportunities or future uses could improve participation, community benefit and financial sustainability. There is a desire to ensure continuity of the golf centre at least in the short-medium term."

Community Impact and Political Response

Responding to the announcement on Facebook, Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison highlighted the potential impact on the area.

"The future of New Forest District Council-owned Dibden Golf Centre is uncertain," Harrison wrote. "I really hope that a way can be found to keep things running. It will be a tremendous loss to the local community if not."