Work on site is due to begin on the 1st June’10 on new clubhouse and changing facilities at Ophir Rugby Football Club in Newtownabbey.<\/p>\n
Officials at the club have secured almost \u00a385,000 for the ambitious project, which will involve the replacement of the existing changing rooms at Magowan Park in Mallusk with new, improved facilities.<\/p>\n
Ophir currently fields senior teams in the Qualifying League and Minor League, and has a growing youth setup. The club’s facilities are also used over the summer months by Muckamore Company of Archers.<\/p>\n
Officials at Ophir hope that\u00a0replacing the existing, outdated\u00a0facilities will help enhance the long-term viability and sustainability of the club.<\/p>\n
The total cost of the improvement project at Magowan Park is expected to be \u00a385,000, with \u00a345k having been secured from the Biffaward Scheme and the club itself providing almost \u00a340,000 of the total.<\/p>\n
Welcoming the\u00a0impending start of work on the project, club President Ced Bonar said:<\/p>\n
“For the past number of years we have been operating from a portacabin on the site of the pitches.\u00a0 The portacabin was acquired in 1972 with an expected life of 10 years.\u00a0 Now, 37 years on, it is in a very poor state of repair and year on year incurs increased maintenance and repair costs. The current facility is now simply not fit for purpose and is not conducive to attracting additional people to the club, therefore limiting further growth.<\/p>\n
The old changing facilities were outdated; they were too small and gave players and officials very little space. This new facility will benefit the players, members, supporters, opposition teams and wider public by enhancing the facilities available at The Cottonmount.\u00a0 This new purpose built modular clubhouse will offer users a safe, inviting and suitable venue, which will have long-term and lasting benefits for Ophir RFC and its stakeholders. We are confident that these improvements will be a great boost for our club and rugby in the local area.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Cath Hare, Biffaward Assistant Programme Manager said:<\/p>\n
\u201cBiffaward is delighted to support this project. Funding has provided new, enhanced facilities to Ophir Rugby Football Club, meaning all users and visitors to the club have access to a safe and inviting venue.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Work on the new changing facilities is expected to take 3-4 weeks to complete, with an official opening expected to take place in early August.<\/p>\n