The rebirth of the former St George’s golf course has been welcomed by an East End MP.

Kim Swan, the Progressive Labour Party MP for St George’s West and a former professional golfer, said the work, being carried out for the new St Regis Hotel, had made “good progress”.

He added: “It’s made a huge difference to the aesthetic of the community.”

Mr Swan said: “I would go so far as to say it’s increased people’s property values in one fell swoop. It’s certainly made the area more appealing.

“A finished product will add a great economic benefit to the community, when you factor in that a good golf course can play between 20,000 and 40,000 rounds a year depending on the marketing.”

Mr Swan highlighted deterioration of the course after it closed in 2008.

Hotelco Bermuda, the developer of the new hotel, said clearance work at the course started in February and the job was 90 per cent finished.

The developers will begin the reconstruction of main features such as greens, tees and bunkers, as well as starting to install a water-efficient irrigation system, over the next three months.

Two new holes and a change in the play route will also be created. The course will be a par-60 to allow for a shorter play time.