A Centenary Legacy project conceived by Arnold‘s Paviors RFC back in 2017/18 has burst into life as work on the construction of a new clubhouse extension proceeds.
Graham Turner, Director of Facilities at ‘Pavs’ said: “Covid threw a wet blanket over our Centenary Celebrations not least the development of new changing rooms, which was to be our Legacy Project. This improving on an already great facility as we embark into our second century.”
Graham added “The idea of this project emerged in the 2017/18 season which seemed to give plenty of time to get organised but the year was soon upon us and plans were drawn up.
“Green Belt issues meant we had to downsize our original plans but planning consent was finally received in June 2021 in the midst of the pandemic. Funding dried up at the same time and rising costs meant we were well short of the £300k estimated cost.”
A lengthy process of agreement over VAT recovery also slowed things but Graham negotiated a £100k grant from the RFU to support the project which was key in the project regaining momentum.
Graham added “Work was due to start at the end of the 2022/23 season but unfortunate and unavoidable circumstances put this back and we finally broke ground at the end of July this year. (23).
“The project will be completed for the start of the 2024/25 season following an official opening in August, 2024.”
The official opening next year will also include celebrations of Paviors Sports Club Ltd, the organisation established in 1973 that secured the ground is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Paviors Rugby Club play at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ and the club runs over twenty teams.
New players are always welcome – girls, boys, men & women, there is a team for all.
Further information about the club including contact details can be found on http://www.paviorsrfc.co.uk/ .