A new partnership between Buckinghamshire Council and Wycombe Wanderers will see the football club become the new leaseholder and take responsibility for operating, managing, and investing in both sites.
Peter Brazier, cabinet member for culture, sport, and leisure at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “I am delighted to announce that Wycombe Wanderers Football Club will be the new head leaseholder for these key sites, which are protected for sport and physical activity.
“Their vision and commitment to a multi-sports hub with modern, inclusive facilities will significantly increase opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds across the community to play sport and be active.
“Their proposals for the site are subject to planning permission and consultation and engagement with existing tenants and local residents, but this is a very exciting step forward and promises a very bright future for the much-loved playing fields and golf course.”
The club plans to work with current tenants and users to create detailed designs for new facilities, with a focus on widening access to sport and diversifying the activities on offer.
Subject to planning approvals, the proposals include a new artificial playing pitch for community use at the playing fields, plus a football training centre and academy at the northern side of the existing 18-hole golf course.
The golf course could then be changed to a nine or 12-hole layout.
Dan Rice, interim chairman and chief of football at Wycombe Wanderers, said: “We are committed to a long-term partnership that enhances and future-proofs the recreational and sporting value of South Buckinghamshire Golf Course and Farnham Park.
“Our vision is founded on three key pillars: community access, sporting excellence, and environmental sustainability.
“From improving grassroots and multi-sport infrastructure to developing a state-of-the-art academy and training centre, we aim to create a lasting legacy that benefits both current users and future generations.
“We are dedicated to working openly and collaboratively with the council, existing user groups, and the wider community to ensure that the site remains inclusive, accessible, and enriched by new investment.
“This is about safeguarding public use while unlocking new opportunities, participation, and activity for all.”
The partnership builds on the site’s existing success with BaseballSoftballUK, which has developed a national baseball and softball complex at Farnham Park.
The playing fields and golf course will remain open throughout the design and planning stages, with Wycombe Wanderers committing to a phased investment programme over the next five years to upgrade facilities.