A popular sports club near Thornbury is set to benefit from improved facilities to help promote inclusivity and growth thanks to almost £300,000 in developer funding, secured by local Conservatives.
Thornbury Rugby Club, based in Rockhampton, is set to receive funding totalling £292,653.28 for the construction of new changing facilities at their site at Coopers Farm, supporting the continued expansion of their women’s and youth membership.
Negotiated by South Gloucestershire Council’s Conservative Administration from the Post Farm development in Thornbury, the investment will allow the club to cater for the increased usage seen in recent years and help accommodate their various squads being able to train at the same time. Included in the new facility would be two self-contained changing rooms, two smaller changing rooms for male and female officials and a physio and medical room.
Since 2015, Conservatives have invested more than £10million into public open spaces and local sporting facilities across South Gloucestershire, with new facilities and equipment being used by thousands of local residents.
Cllrs Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell, who represent Rockhampton as part of the Severn Vale Ward, said: “Thornbury Rugby Club has been an important part of our local community for many years, offering the fun and inclusivity of team sports for people of all ages and so we are pleased this funding will be going towards new facilities that will help meet the growing demand.”
Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall added: “I am delighted that we have managed to secure this much needed funding for Thornbury Rugby Club to continue the expansion of their women’s and youth membership. This club has been so important to our community for nearly sixty years and we should be immensely proud to have one of the best local rugby clubs in the South West right on our doorstep.”
Geoff Sprackman, Chairman of Thornbury Rugby Club, said: “We are excited that the club is set to receive this valuable funding which will have a big impact in allowing us to grow our inclusive sporting community. We want to thank the Council and the Administration for its support.
“Thornbury Rugby Club is proud to already have successful men’s and junior squads and are keen to continue developing our levels of female participation following a real surge in recent years. This funding, by improving and expanding our changing rooms, really gives us a chance to get more teams of all ages and genders out on pitches at the same time and grow as a club.”
