Whilst we have managed to get the majority of our funding in place for the build we have been hit by some delays in the past few months:

• Our mechanical engineering details (e.g. showers, water tanks and energy efficiency solutions) are still too vague
• Getting the new leasehold agreement signed with the Council has taken longer than expected
• Our final bit of planned funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund has been put on hold due to the General Election

We even found pigeons nesting in the tree we were about to remove so had to delay that until July!

What that meant was we couldn’t pin down start dates with builders as we couldn’t be exact about what we were asking them to build and when we could start.

We have reviewed various options and therefore agreed to commence the main construction work in March 25 with the changing rooms and first floor extension to complete around September 25. This keeps the majority of the build away from the playing season so limits the impacts.

Subscriptions will increase across all categories by £6 for the year ahead to help cover the additional running costs of the new property we expect to take on later this year, but we will delay any additional fees relating to the gym until season 2025/26.

As mentioned above, our last funding source is no longer available so some elements of scope are at risk unless we raise additional funds. We will look externally, but are also keen to hear from any past and present members who might want to leave a living legacy for the club. There will also be a club wide fundraiser in August, details of which will be shared shortly.

If you have any questions relating to the build, then please reach out to Rod Strachan, Stevie Wright or Kevin West who can hopefully help.