Sale contracts are being drafted by the city of Florence to sell the Florence Golf and Country Club to UNA’s partner Shenqi Medical College in China, officials with the university said.

The property has been proposed as the new home for a newly started integrative health program, officials said.

“We have seen the first draft (of the contract), and (it) is back with the city now,” said UNA Vice Provost for International Affairs Chunsheng Zhang.

Zhang said the university and Shenqi Medical College Chairman Zhang Zhiting will move forward with the development of the property after contract negotiations take place.

“Basically we look forward to getting him here soon for the actual purchase of the land and for the development of architecture plans and the development of the property,” said UNA Spokesman Josh Woods.

The city council unanimously voted at their Jan. 8 meeting to approve a resolution authorizing Florence Mayor Mickey Haddock to negotiate the purchase of the land for the university’s new integrative health program and residential village. During their Feb. 19 meeting, the council also voted to rezone the property for use by the university.

Zhiting placed an offer with the city for $2.1 million with a promise of $50,000 in earnest money to be paid to the city earlier this year.

Zhang said the next steps include getting Zhiting to Florence to negotiate contracts and start the design process for the property.

Officials would not speculate on when building would begin on the site once contracts are approved.