Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club wrote to members last week over developments relating to fire, drainage and structure concerns and an announced the building would close on December 31.
Members were told a recent kitchen fire caused by the burning out of an oven plug and socket – however the clubhouse’s electric circuit breaker had failed to blow.
The letter to members said: “The consequences could have been catastrophic if a fire had ensued.”
In addition, last remaining boiler is not expected to last much longer while the email said Suffolk Fire Service had put the club on notice that it could face eviction.
However, a fire service spokesman said no evidence could be found of an eviction notice, with the last recorded involvement of the fire service with the golf club being a building regulation consultation application in September 2024.
A club spokesman said despite the early closure they will only then be months away from the opening of its new state-of-the-art 1,020sqm clubhouse, which is expected to open in May.
The building project also includes five luxury villas, known as Balfour Place, which will have views of the sea and golf course.
READ MORE: Work continues at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club development
A spokesman for the club said: “It’s a very exciting time for the club, that although for a period temporary accommodation is now needed, the new clubhouse and facilities is only a few months away, with an aim of opening in May 2026.
“With the new public cafè being opened as part of the facilities, it’s also a very exciting time for the community.”
To combat the clubhouse’s closure at the end of the year, temporary mobile buildings are set to be installed in the new year to ensure the club can continue operating until the new clubhouse is ready.
The temporary cabins will provide toilets, bar, catering and office facilities from January 12, while the pro shop will also move to this location.
The club spokesman added: “The courses will run as usual, with some simplified facilities whilst we await the moment of entering the new clubhouse.
“We look forward to seeing many residents come and enjoy our new facilities very soon,” the spokesman said.
READ MORE: Large blaze at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club shuts road – seven fire engines sent
The development at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, pictured in July, will include a new state-of-the-art clubhouse and five luxury homes (Image: NQ)
Members were also told, that following a recent food hygiene inspection by East Suffolk Council’s environmental health team the clubhouse had downgraded from a four to three star rating due to the poor state of infrastructure in the kitchen and store area.
The letter also noted ongoing issues with drainage in the changing rooms and limited insurance coverage due to the “poor state of repair” of the building structure.
READ MORE: Diggers have moved on to the site of Felixstowe Golf Club
In the email, the executive board said: “We understand this change may come as a surprise to many as we had hoped to keep our current clubhouse operational long enough for us to make a simple transition.
“However, given the escalating issues, an earlier demolition has become the most practical solution to ensure safety for all so we can continue to operate in the safest manner possible.”
An auction evening is planned at the club to auction off existing fittings and memorabilia from the clubhouse towards enhancing its new facility.