Update & Feedback Forum
Welcome to our Clubhouse Project Update page, where we intend to publicise the progress we make toward a new clubhouse.
The primary purpose of this page is to inform our members of the methods and processes being used throughout the various stages of the project, so that everyone can understand the thought and decision processes that underpin such a crucial and emotive project.
As part of this, information, discussion points and key decisions from our regular Sub-Committee meetings will be posted below.
There has been quite a bit of progress made on the Pavilion Project over the last six months or so.
Our Pavilion Sub-Committee have been mulling over the “big picture” – i.e. what significant projects could we undertake to improve the club. “Why ??” you may ask… Well, because of the recent Courts & Floodlights project, our finances are somewhat limited over the next few years, and so the next significant project will be the last for a while (unless we win the Lottery).
You perhaps wouldn’t think so, but there are quite a few options available to further improve our club.
We could sell the car park, with the intention of purchasing land for a new one. Whist this sounds great, it’s very much “pie in the sky” with little foundation, so is not a priority.
We could expand the ‘scope’ of the club, by offering more sports or facilities. We felt that this would perhaps over-burden the club, biting off more than we can chew…
We could purchase the land on which we are situated. Because our Lease Agreement expires in 2012, our Rent will have to be re-negotiated, and because we are only paying a relatively small amount per year, it is a possibility that the Rent will go up quite a bit. This may prove financially beneficial to own the land rather than rent it.
We could replace the last 2 grass courts with a year-round surface. With our club currently enjoying a successful period, with some playing times boasting more players than courts, it places an obvious demand on this option. However, for the 2-3 hours a week where one has to wait 10 minutes (with a cup of tea) until the next game, we felt it was not of the highest priority.
Then there’s the clubhouse.
Being realistic about the pavilion longevity, it is not likely to last long enough for us to precede it’s replacement with another significant project. Thus this also figures highly in terms of priority.
OK, so where does that leave us…..(I hear you saying)….
There is probably one of two burning questions in your mind at the moment; 1) can we not just fix the current club house, or 2) can we not simply replace what we have, but with a smaller kitchen…. And possibly a third; How are we going to keep the character of the club with a new building ??
There are two easy answers, and one toughie…..
The building is definitely not repairable. Because of the way that the frame of the building is inter-linked, the building would require a full shut down just to perform running repairs or replacements, with full structural support required to prevent collapse. If we were to try to gradually replace the building, just a bit at a time, this would still be required. The costs and time to complete would be completely horrendous, and it would not be the most efficient option – we may as well start from scratch.
Can we replace what we have, but with a smaller kitchen ?? Certainly. If the membership would be happy with continued inadequate changing and toilet facilities, a bar that is too small for main functions, and no provision for disabled people (a new building regulations requirement), then lets go…..
Well, being serious, we are not planning to change the place too much. Indeed the internal arrangements are almost secondary to how the new building would appear from the outside. THAT is a prime concern, along with loos and a bar that suits, and brings us to the third answer.
Because our club boasts such a beautiful aspect and surrounding, and is such a joy for us to share on a sunny afternoon, the visual impact of a new building is paramount. We recognise that a balance would be required, a balance between providing a structure that is sound, yet one that continues to wield the charm and subtlety of today’s pavilion.
Our discussions over the last few months have centred in these two key concerns, but have been accompanied by a third; the likely cost.
Given there are many construction techniques now-a-days, we have started looking at several options. Looking at a typical brick building, similar to the Sphynx clubhouse (and similar in size), we are advised that the cost would be over £250,000, which is way over our budget.
Other types of build use cheaper build techniques, such as wood, and would seem to offer a price that is much closer to our budget.
And now you know as much as your committee knows.
We, as a committee, fully appreciate there are lots of thoughts and questions amongst the members. We too share the concerns and anxieties that surround such a delicate, yet significant project, and we are keen to ensure the members are fully informed, and we will strive to put you all in a position to express your full support when the time comes….
The meeting started late, and we centred our discussion around the Lease. It was felt that we should investigate what the value of the land would be if we were to explore purchasing it.
Again we didn't get through the remainder of the Agenda, therefore notes or discussion points will be published in their full context once the Agenda is completed.
Next meeting is planned for 17th October 2007.
The Agenda for our opening meeting was to discuss the broader picture of the club, as a whole. Our feeling is that, once a new clubhouse is in place, we need to ensure it serves any future aspirations of the club.
The 'Broader Picture' includes topics such as;
* Buying the Lease / Land
* Options surrounding the Car Park
* Options to expand the club
* Modification of the Grass Courts
* Position, size and layout of a new clubhouse
* The realistic longevity of the current clubhouse
This first meeting progressed about half way through the Agenda. Notes or discussion points will be published in their full context once the Agenda is completed.
Next meeting is planned for 19th September 2007.
