All systems go for Amateurs’ new clubhouse
Last updated 11:49, Wednesday, 24 September 2008
WHITEHAVEN Amateurs hope to kick off work on their new £2.3m clubhouse in the New Year after securing planning permission on the ambitious new development.
The Northern League outfit have secured £1.8m in funding and hope to be in a position to put the project out to tender by the end of the year, with a start in early February.
“We won’t start until all the funding is in place, but we are very confident it will get the go-ahead,” said chairman Bill Robson.
“It will take nine months to finish and we hope to have it in position for the start of next season.”
The existing clubhouse will be demolished and a much larger replacement, including community facility, built in its place.
And the club will move in to the conference market, looking to host large business gatherings.
Changing facilities and office space will be located on the ground floor, with two separate community function rooms, including a bar, on the first floor.
The public bar will hold around 72 people and the multi-use room about 200 people.
An outdoor terrace will allow for spectators to watch matches.
“The conference facilities will help bring more business to the area,” added Robson.
The club is also talking to the Lawn Tennis Association about a potential investment in four indoor and four outdoor courts at their County Ground home.
Robson said: “The LTA’s looking to invest in West Cumbria and we are putting together a business plan for that at the moment. We tick all their boxes.” The County Ground’s access road will also be widened from three metres to five.
