A 108-year-old Malvern bowling club has announced exciting plans to ‘modernise’ its clubhouse so it can branch out to the wider community.
Work on the home of Malvern Victoria Bowling Club, in Victoria Park, is expected to cost £160,000 with £50,000 raised so far towards the project.
The bowling club, founded in 1908, currently holds a 30-year lease from Malvern Town Council which is due to end in 2027.
Originally granted by Malvern Hills District Council, the lease was passed over to the town council’s control along with the transfer of Victoria Park.
The club, which currently has more than 50 members who play in the Malvern Triples League, have requested the town council to extend their long-term lease by a further ten years to 2037 in the hope it will enable the club to attract larger funds for the project.
As potential funders wish to know the sustainability of the scheme before investing into the venture, the lease extension would help the club make a stronger case for grant support as the town council are not responsible for repairs or maintenance at the bowling green and pavilion.
The club are also negotiating with professional fundraisers to reach their target and are hopeful they will have the sufficient funds by the end of the year.
Steven Boughton, president of Malvern Victoria Bowls Club, said: “There are a number of organisations which use the clubhouse and part of the thinking behind the project is to make it a venue for the community rather than just a summer bowls club.
“Several years ago the structure of the clubhouse was made of wood and more than ten years ago we had an extension put in at one end for changing rooms and the other for a bar and kitchen.
“The plan is to knock down the wooden structure and re-build it with brick to modernise the clubhouse.
“Also we hope to introduce winter bowling and table tennis to the club through the project.”
Town councillors were scheduled to consider the bowling club’s request for an extended lease at last night’s (Tuesday) policy and resources meeting.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact club treasurer Alan Williams on 01684 569558.
