Beccs Big Build – Extension Update: 3 June 2023

Progress over the past 3 months:
March:

• The RFU awards Beccehamian RFC a £100,000 grant for new changing rooms and the
extension. The RFU have also provided a £100,000 15 year interest free loan for the project. Beccs are one of only 3 clubs in England to have received these awards as part of the 2025 RWC legacy program.
• After 3 years of negotiations with LBB we’ve finally agreed the new Lease for the clubhouse and new extension, which also now includes the 4 pitches. This provides us with the required permission to now build on the land, retain our investment into the building, and security of tenure of the site and playing area.
April:
• The RFU awards Beccehamian RFC a £5,000 grant towards new female toilet facilities.
• As a consequence of being provided with a unique, once in our clubs’ history funding opportunity from the RFU, BRFC Executive Committee authorised the expenditure for Phase 1 of the works.

• BRFC Build Committee appoint a Principle Contractor for Phase 1 of the overall build.
• Crowdfunding campaign completes and raises over £26,000, £10,000 of which was from Sport England matching donation.
• 27th May: Equipment storage container relocated to new site near entrance.
• 30th May: Site compound set-up starts. Excavation work for the foundations will commence during the 2nd week of June.

Proposals to be built in phases:
In order to maintain the ability to play during the rugby playing season and continue with
social activities, the build will be phased, with each phase dependent on funds being raised for the completion of that phase.

1. Phase 1 is the core part of the project and will be the ground floor of the extension
including: 2 new changing rooms, new female toilets, physiotherapy room, new officials changing room, and a store room, with a forecasted completion by Oct/Nov 2023.
2. Phase 2 incorporates the works on the 1st floor: members bar extension; meeting room; and terrace area.
3. Phase 3 will involve a lot of internal restructuring around the current entrance and stair areas to enable the installation of a disability lift, new entrance lobby, disability toilet and new stairs. These activities will hopefully commence after the end of next playing season.
4. Phase 4 is the south facing wrap-around balcony linking the terrace to the hall.

Funding to Support the Extension
With the RFU grants, along with secured funding to date, we have raised sufficient funds for phase 1.
However, we still require further funds to complete the overall programme of works, and although we are actively applying for other grants we need our membership to assist with fund raising activities.
Please BUY-A-BRICK (Brick link here), ask your employer to consider buying a corporate brick, or ask your employer whether they would match your donation, complete a gift-aid form for your donation, and get involved with any fund raising activities. Even better why not run your own fund raising activity within your team or section of the club to assist.
If you are able to assist or have an idea please contact anyone in the fund raising committee (link here) or email beccsbuild@gmail.com

Photos of recent activity (on Photo gallery link here)
- Relocation of storage container on Saturday 27th May
- Site cleared for extension and site compound set-up commences 30th May