Bangor RF&CC embarks on phase 1 of the clubhouse upgrade with DCM Contracts appointed to commence work week commencing Monday 24th November with a 9 month build programme anticipated.

Commenting on this exciting development for the Club, Mark Thallon Club Chairman said “These works have been over 5 years in the pipeline since it was first identified at Management Committee that the current facilities are not fit for the current clubs needs.

Both the rugby and cricket sections of BRF&CC recognise the importance of youth and women’s sport to the future success and long-term sustainability of the club and for the well-being of the participants themselves.

We have been fortunate as part of the Ulster Rugby, Club Capital Improvement Project application to the UK Governments Levelling Up Fund (Round 2) to secure a significant amount of funding equating to just over £340,000, along with a grant from the IRFU Inclusive Facilities Fund and contribution from the A&NDC Capital Sports Fund. In addition the Club are committing over £150,000 of existing cash reserves and have raised a further £125,000 through members supporting the Buy a Brick initiative.”

Key highlights in Phase 1 of our proposed scheme are;

• Provision of 2 new self contained female/youth changing rooms, this will allow these games to take place at the same time as male fixtures which the existing facilities do not permit.
• Upgraded WCs to include addition of accessible WC and improved efficiency.
• Provision of a passenger lift to ensure connectivity to first floor for all visitors to BRF&CC.
• Upgraded ground floor entrance hall and new player entrance.
• Upgraded kitchen facility at first floor.
• New male, female and accessible WCs at first floor for visitors using the function hall and bar area.
• Upgraded rendered elevations and glazing to improve buildings energy efficiency.

It has obviously taken a lot of effort by many people to get to the point of being able to progress with work on site and, given the anticipated timeline for carrying out the work, we are hoping to be finished by August 2026.

There will obviously be significant disruption as we try to combine busy rugby and cricket sections with a major building programme, but importantly the Club will remain open with a focus on the newly refurbished downstairs Bowman/McCall bar coming back into active use on match days.