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Update on the Changing Rooms Project

Update on the Changing Rooms Project

Richard Ordidge12 May 2016 - 11:15
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Here is a further update on the Changing Rooms Project.

Many members may be surprised, as we have been, at the cost for new changing rooms. But we have received tenders from six different contractors and have also looked at modular and steel framed builds - the cost reflects very high building inflation in recent years and the high specification of the build.

We have applied for a grant of £75k from Veolia and expect to hear their decision on 6 June. RFU, Sport England and Veolia (if we get a grant from them) need to see a minimum of three tenders on the final design before confirming the level of grant. Assuming that we are successful, the level of grant funding will mean that we have secured a brand new first class changing room block at a total build price including fees of £400k plus VAT, but at a cost to the club of only £240k.

The high specification is a non negotiable requirement of the RFU and Sport England without whom we would not receive grants from them totalling £135k plus a valuable interest free loan of £100k for 15 years from the RFF.

The balance of funding will come from continued sponsorship, donations and fundraising as well as a loan note scheme details of which will be announced in the next few days.

The latest approximate timescale is for the work to commence in July/August 2016 and to be completed in December 2016/January 2017.

The result will be self contained changing rooms which will each have their own showers, toilets and sinks. It will allow us to develop women's and girl's rugby. There will also be self contained changing rooms for officials and facilities for disabled people. They are an essential development as the current changing rooms are cramped and totally inadequate for Junior and Senior players.

Building them will be a major component of our programme of continuous improvement. Over the last few years we have built a new roof and kitchen and completely refurbished the hall, toilets, bar and physio room. Outside we have built a new patio and decking area, fenced off the Field of Dreams, repainted the posts and made a number of other improvements to what were tired and run down facilities.

The new changing rooms will place Horsham Rugby club as one of the leading clubs in Sussex suitable for a growing community such as Horsham.

Thank you to the Under 10s who have recently raised £1k toward the project. The Club Golf Day raised over £2k and the Horsham to Paris Bike Ride is well on target to raise over £2k.

The Club Bike Ride is on Sunday 19 June and anyone looking to support the club on an organised 25 or 50 mile cycling event would be more than welcome. Details are on the club home page.

We are continually seeking new ways to raise money (any suggestions or help would be most welcome) and exploring grant opportunities as they become available.

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