Work has officially begun on an exciting new golf facility at Basildon Sporting Village.
Construction on the Golf Pod development got underway on this morning (November 3) and the project is due to be completed by early January.
The new facility will feature ten covered practice bays overlooking a 30-metre by 30-metre synthetic grass outfield area. It will give people of all ages and abilities the chance to practise their swing in a modern, weatherproof and accessible setting.
To mark the start of construction, representatives from Everyone Active, which manages Basildon Sporting Village in partnership with Basildon Borough Council, were joined on site by councillors and members of the Golf Pod team.
The facility will be operated by Golf Pod and funded entirely by the company. It will be largely automated, meaning it will require minimal on-site management, while still offering a professional and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Shaun Beagle, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: “We’re delighted to see work now underway on the new Golf Pod facility at Basildon Sporting Village.
“This exciting addition will create fantastic opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy golf in an accessible environment. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a club for the first time or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, these covered practice bays will be perfect.
“It complements our existing world-class facilities and will further diversify what’s on offer at the site.”
Mike Stone, Managing Director of Golf Pod, added: “Basildon marks a significant step forward in Golf Pod’s journey. Partnering with Everyone Active to bring our full technology-enabled experience into one of the South East’s busiest leisure destinations is a proud milestone.
“Our mission has always been to make golf more accessible, social, and engaging - and this site embodies that vision perfectly. By combining innovation, community, and inclusivity, we’re creating spaces where anyone can experience the joy of golf, regardless of age or ability.”
The Basildon site will be Golf Pod’s first installation within a major public leisure complex, marking an important milestone in the company’s national rollout.
The ten-bay facility will showcase Golf Pod’s latest technology, including Toptracer, integrated ball management, and lighting systems, creating a fully automated and immersive golf experience for players.
Plans for the Golf Pod were approved by Basildon Borough Council earlier this year, with councillors welcoming the project as a positive use of available space and a boost to local leisure opportunities.
Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment & Leisure, said: “The new 10-bay GolfPod facility at Basildon Sporting Village is a fantastic addition that truly opens up the game to everyone. It’s about making golf fun, social, and accessible – whether you’re a beginner picking up a club for the first time or a regular player looking for a new way to enjoy the sport.
“This is yet another facility that brings people together, supports healthy lifestyles, and offers opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to get active and stay connected.”
The new addition will sit alongside the Sporting Village’s extensive facilities, which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a gymnastics centre where Olympic champion Max Whitlock has trained. The venue also hosted the Japanese Olympic swimming team ahead of the London 2012 Games, with athletes and coaches praising the quality of its then-new 50-metre pool and facilities.
Once complete, the Golf Pod is expected to become a popular feature for both the local community and visitors, strengthening Basildon’s reputation as a hub for sport and physical activity.