Clubhouse expansion programme
28 Aug 2007
News update on clubhouse development
Clubhouse extension: presentation from RFU
The clubhouse extension sub-committee met on Monday 20th August. Rick Bruin, from the RFU’s Community Club section was in attendance.
Rick gave us a wide-ranging briefing on funding possibilities from the RFU and the criteria that need to be met.
There are two major sources potentially available:
- CCDP (Community Club Development Programme) grant
- RFF (Rugby Football Foundation) loan
The CCDP consists of central government given to sports’ national governing bodies. The RFU is now assessing its priorities and funds need to committed by 31 March 08. Rick could not give likely grant amounts as this would depend on too many other factors.
RFF is a charitable trust that offers interest-free loans up to £100k.
Key criteria for applications are that all plans must be approved by the RFU architect, planning permission must be received and that all other funding should be in place – actual money, not just pledges. The money available is also just for rugby-related purposes, ie not for things like bar and club-room development.
Rick also told us of the key issues we would need to stress in any application we might make, such as: Massive junior participation, RDO activities, improvement of existing facilities (not newbuild), DDA compliance and any existing space constraints
Rick would be available to help and advise us to frame applications, work through local authority issues etc.
Immediate Actions:
- Prepare plans for submission to RFU Architect
- Submit plans to RFU Architect with covering letter, through Rick
The next meeting of the sub-committee is scheduled for 18th September.