MALVERN Rugby Football Club could be moving into a brand new home after it was announced ‘exciting’ talks were underway about relocating the club from its Spring Lane ground.
Early talks have took place between the club and Malvern Hills District Council about the possibility of a move which would help secure and expand the long-term future of Rugby Union in the district, as well as provide new opportunities for businesses.
Under the proposal, the district council has said it would help pay for the construction of a ‘purpose built ground’ with modern facilities, which Malvern Rugby Club would pay rent on. A piece of land off Blackmore Park Road – owned by Worcestershire County Council – has been earmarked as a preferred option so far but other sites have been explored.
In return, the club’s existing Spring Lane home would provide employment land to support the growth of the local economy.
It is also hoped additional funding from various sporting organisations can be attracted to help reduce the cost to the council taxpayer.
A statement from the district council said Malvern RFC needs to move because of ‘a number of issues’ with its current home.
The club’s youth section is rapidly expanding with more than 200 youth players already playing the game. But further growth will be difficult on the current site due to a lack of space.
There are also issues with a lack of car parking and facilities to support the development of the ladies team.
Improved, modern facilities would also allow the club to find new ways of generating money to help make it financially stable, long-term.
John Holden, Chairman of Malvern Rugby Football Club, said: “We are very pleased to be in preliminary talks with Malvern Hills District Council regarding a possible re-location of the club from our current site at Spring Lane.
“Our youth section continues to grow year on year and our current pitches and parking arrangements are not all they should be. This, and a number of other factors, has caused us to examine whether other locations may be more suitable for the long-term benefit of the club.”
As talks are at such an early stage there is no timescale for the project and the cost is not yet known as designs are currently being worked up. It is hoped that information will be available early in 2017.
A number of hurdles still have to be passed before the project can go ahead including getting approval from both councillors and members of Malvern RFC, as well as planning permission.
Coun Phil Grove, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We’re at the very beginning of what could be a very exciting project for the district. We wanted to be honest and up front with residents about these discussions, which is why we have released details at this early stage.
“I believe this could not only provide first class facilities to help grow the game of Rugby Union in the district but offer new opportunities for businesses to invest and create jobs.
“It has to add up financially though, so when we get that detail we will be scrutinising the costs carefully to make sure it is a solid investment for the council taxpayer.”
