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LATEST…
We hope that you were able to attend the informal discussion sessions held in the clubhouse in October. Please see the update sheet for the latest news. Info Sheet - updated - Dec 2011.
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CLUB HOUSE
You will be aware that the centre section of the club house (between the ‘tower’ and the stewards’ bungalow) is in need of major repair and has become an increasing maintenance burden. You may not be aware that the structure was not new when it was built in the 1920s!
We need to build for the future as our predecessors did in 1920. We have had the benefit of their foresight; it is now up to us to provide for future generations.
The General Committee took the view that it would be in the long term interest of the club to replace the failing structure. It undertook to explore various options on behalf of the members. The New Build sub-committee 2011 was set up to undertake this task, architects were selected and other experts consulted.
The architect was commissioned to produce outline drawings within a tight specification and budget. There were several sketches and models, from one of which we asked for further development (Option 1).
We were concerned that the resultant scheme was too expensive and went on to formulate Option 2.
I have pleasure in presenting the two options for your attention. Both options were developed following the results of the survey conducted in the Autumn of last year. The key points raised by members were:-
- The changing rooms needed to be improved and increased in size;
- The cosy character of the bar should be retained;
- There should be a first floor function room with views overlooking the backwaters;
- The proposal should take account of predicted sea levels;
- The design should retain a local East Coast appeal; and
- The scheme should allow for a second phase and take into account how the Club might use the ‘tower’ and other elements of the Club better in the future.
Option 1 was drawn by Mole Architects, following visits to the Club by Meredith Bowles, a director of the company. This option majors on the requirement for a large first floor function room but does not have a separate ‘cosy’ bar.
Option 2 is based on a proposal put forward by the New Build Sub-committee and subsequently developed by Mole Architects. This design uses all of the space between the ‘tower’ and the stewards’ bungalow. It has a separate bar with fireplace and larger changing rooms. The dining area is slightly larger than the existing. There is also the potential to fit-out the first floor of the new build at a later stage, which could include a large function room.
The New Build Sub-committee recommends that Option 2, the two storey ‘long barn’, is adopted because it is affordable and therefore achievable. Option 2 also has the endorsement of the General Committee.
I would like to thank the New Build and the Fundraising Sub-committees for their ongoing work and also to thank all the members who have expressed their backing and have offered their support and advice for this major project.
We are holding informal discussion sessions to give you the opportunity to talk to us so we can explain the reasoning behind the various aspects of the proposal in front of you.
You will note that there are drawings showing dormer windows and Velux roof lights, which would be less expensive option. Which do you prefer?
Once all the comments have been analysed and amendments made to the plans, an EGM will be held, probably in November, to authorise the General Committee to proceed to obtain planning permission.
David Cocks
Commodore
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