A major golf retailer has submitted plans to open a new store.
American Golf has submitted plans to transform a unit in Chichester Trade Centre into a mixed-use sales hub.
The application to Chichester District Council seeks to change the use of Unit 11 Quarry Lane, Chichester, from a motor dealership to a new retail unit with sports practice areas, repair activities and office space.
The proposed new store is set to feature a range of services tailored to golf enthusiasts.
This includes a "try before you buy" custom fit zone, allowing customers to test new golf clubs in-store.
The try before you buy facility (Image: American Golf) The area will house high-tech golf simulator rooms where clubs will be customised to meet individual requirements.
These sessions, which range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, are offered at no cost with no obligation to purchase.
The application noted that standard town centre units do not offer the ceiling height required for customers to swing a golf club inside the store, making the Chichester Trade Centre an ideal location.
The proposed opening hours for the new store are 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
A total of eight staff members will be employed, with an average of three to four colleagues working in the store each day.
The unit was last used as a Honda motorcycle dealership, which ceased trading in early 2022 for financial reasons.
In June of the same year, a change of use application was granted to widen the authorised uses of the unit.
This consent permits a range of alternative uses, including a motor dealership, builders merchants, storage and distribution, industrial and research and development uses.
(Image: American Golf) American Golf, which operates 85 outlets nationally, provides over 100,000 custom fits per year across its store network.
The custom fit process involves measuring a golfer's swing speed and approach to determine the best-suited clubhead design, length, lie and loft.
The proposed plans show the ground floor of Unit 11 as the retail and display space, while the upper mezzanine level will be the "try before you buy" space.
This will include the custom fit area, swing bay for golf clubs and a putting green area. Club regripping will also be offered.
