A MAJOR announcement is expected within weeks on the identity of the "world-renowned" developer behind a proposed luxury golf resort scheme for Wirral.

Council leader Phil Davies told the Globe that plans have been progressing behind the scenes and that all will be revealed next month.

The multi-million pound development close to the Royal Liverpool golf links at Hoylake has been the subject of ongoing confidential commercial negotiations.

The initiative will bring an 18-hole course, luxury five-star hotel, conference centre and an upmarket housing scheme to Hoylake.

But there could well be controversy as the project will involve  "radical infrastructure" changes for the seaside town.

Councillor Davies said: "Our officers have been progressing the details with the developer, whose name we cannot divulge even now - but we expect to be making a major announcement in June.

"It has been a very complicated deal. We are negotiating with a number of land owners because the site is not owned by just one organisation.

"It is a complicated menu with many different elements.

"When people see the proposals in detail they will be impressed - it is a fantastic development for Wirral and will attract a great many more people to visit the borough."

He said the scheme will be subject to the usual planning processes and any residents who may have objections will be given every opportunity to raise them.

Hopes of releasing the name of the developer at last year's Open Golf Championship at Royal Liverpool were dashed by the length of time taken by the complex negotiations.

But the feasibility of the project was never an issue when last year no fewer than 20 developers and investors expressed interest in joining forces with the council to develop the 285-acre site for the a "signature" golf course and deluxe facilities.

Other leisure aspects such as water sports and pony-trekking are also envisaged at an American-style complex, with water featuring strongly.

The local authority said the scheme will be a world-class golfing resort rivalling the best in the UK, with the aim of creating a tourist destination for both golfers and families.