Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa Sold to Portuguese Group with £27m Expansion Plans

A new chapter is about to begin for one of Formbys most prestigious venues. Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa has officially been sold to Lisbon-based property company Harland & Poston Group, marking a significant investment in the region’s hospitality and leisure scene.

The four-star resort, set across 200 acres of parkland off Southport Old Road in #Formby, has long been regarded as one of the jewels of the North West’s “Golf Coast.” It boasts an 18-hole Championship golf course, the nine-hole Woodhey Dunes course, a PGA Academy, luxury spa and health club, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, and 76 guest rooms. It has also been the backdrop for many high-profile events, from Liverpool FC’s Premier League title celebrations to hosting Taylor Swift during her run of Anfield concerts in 2024.

The new owners have ambitious plans. Harland & Poston Group, backed by investment manager Whitehay Capital, is preparing a £27 million redevelopment programme that will see the resort transformed over the next few years. The phased renovation is due to begin in September 2025 and will include refurbished guest rooms, a completely modernised gym, new food and drink offerings, and improved reception and leisure spaces. By 2027, the resort is expected to unveil a new wedding venue with 24 luxury lodges, taking its accommodation capacity from 76 rooms to around 130 in total. Full stabilisation of the expanded resort is expected by 2028.

Speaking at the resort, David Poston, CEO of Harland & Poston Group, explained why his company was drawn to Formby Hall: “We were wanting to move into the UK market and we were looking for assets. When Formby Hall was presented to us, it jumped out immediately. It’s iconic – there have been celebrity weddings here, Taylor Swift was here last year – and it has huge potential. With its location among world-class courses like Royal Birkdale, this resort can truly become a destination for golfers and leisure guests from across the world.”

Cushman & Wakefield, who advised on the sale, described Formby Hall as “a rare opportunity” that attracted significant interest from investors. Ed Fitch, Head of Hospitality UK & Ireland at the firm, added that the deal reflects renewed confidence in the UK hotel sector and the strong appeal of high-quality regional assets.

For the community and visitors alike, the takeover promises to safeguard Formby Hall’s reputation as a luxury destination while bringing fresh investment, jobs, and opportunities. If Harland & Poston’s vision is realised, the resort will cement its place not only as one of Sefton’s premier venues but also as a leading golf and spa destination in the whole of the North West.

Image source from Formby Hall Golf Club & Spa