A NEW 35-year lease has been granted to Malvern Rugby Football Club (MRFC) to ensure its future.
The new lease, approved on April 23 by Malvern Hills District Council’s Executive Committee, will allow the club to access funding to develop the existing changing rooms into a more inclusive and fit-for-purpose environment.
Moving forward, the club will aim to provide more playing opportunities for people across all forms of rugby, including a particular focus on girls’ and women’s rugby, as well as mixed rugby.
The club currently lease Spring Lane Playing Fields from the council under a 30-year lease, which began in December 2000.
The shortness of the remaining term, under seven years, makes it impossible for the club to access funding to improve their facilities, including access to RFU (Rugby Football Union) funding to update the existing changing rooms.
A long-term lease will allow the club to access additional funding streams to assist with their aspirations to deliver pitch and clubhouse improvements.
The club provided a ten-year Rugby and Community Development Plan to support their request for a new 35-year lease, and any future funding applications.
Andrew Longley, chairman of MRFC, said: “I am delighted we have finalised the lease.
“This gives us long-term security and the opportunity to improve facilities for all our members.
“It will mean we can further advance our plans around all rugby. In particularly developing girls’ and ladies’ rugby, in a safe and caring manner.
“We now look to move forward to develop exciting plans to modernise our facilities. ”
The club are now looking for local businesses to become sponsorship partners to help improve facilities.
Councillor John Gallagher, portfolio holder for resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Approving this new lease gives the club a great opportunity to grow and develop.
“I am delighted that it will lead to an expansion of communities participating in rugby, and particularly that it supports and encourages the involvement of women and young girls competing in competitive rugby matches”.
Visit https://malvernrfc.rfu.club/ for more information.
