The local authority took the decision to terminate the original contract due to various delays to the project, which was originally scheduled for completion in March this year.

Despite a revised completion date being agreed of June 2015 and two ‘determination notices’ advising the contractors of concerns about their failure to progress the works regularly and diligently being issued to the contractor in May and July 2015, the council remained dissatisfied with the lack of progress.

A replacement contractor will now be appointed as quickly as possible, so that work can resume on the much-anticipated clubhouse at the earliest opportunity.

A ‘mini-tender’ exercise is being undertaken to appoint the new contractor and contact has been made with the bidders that submitted tenders for the original contract to confirm interest in negotiating to complete the works. As a result, negotiations are ongoing with two Ayrshire-based companies that have indicated a willingness to complete the project.

Subject to the conclusion of these negotiations, it is expected that the new contractor will be at work on site around the end of September, with the clubhouse completed and open to golfers around March 2016.

“No one is more frustrated than us about how this project has progressed over recent months”, said Councillor Bill Grant, portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and leisure. “It’s extremely disappointing that it’s come to this but, despite some progress being made and labour levels being increased in response to the first determination notice, we’ve not seen any change in response to the second notice. Decisive action – in line with the necessary contractual obligations and timescales – was our only way forward.

“Our focus now is to turn this situation around as quickly as possible, get work underway and get this clubhouse up and running and delivering the quality off-course facilities our golfers and visitors deserve. I want to thank everyone for their patience and co-operation while we do this and I can assure you all that we share the concerns about the current situation and we’re doing everything within our power to get things back on track.”

The clubhouse will include modern changing accommodation, a new golf professional shop, a large modern cafe bar, new starter facilities, club rooms, lounge area, and a golf simulator room.