This is the sixth in the series of updates about the development of the new site.
The Project Team is continuing to work hard as we enter the final phase of deciding exactly where the telephone, audio and IT systems are wired and fixed within the building. As it is the Club’s responsibility to design and pay for these systems we need to ensure that we coordinate the work with the main contractor who is providing the basic infrastructure. For example, we are having 3 wall-mounted TVs in the gym, the power supply for them is part of the main contract, while the cabling for the TV signal is put in by the audio system supplier. Obviously the ducting and cable routes have to be agreed so that there is no delay or interference with the main contractor….not an easy task.
Where possible we are using local suppliers to tender for the work, which helps the local economy and is more convenient for ongoing maintenance once we move to the new Clubhouse.
Members will see that the roof cladding is nearing completion and the block walls on the ground floor are largely finished. The pitch contractors are currently grading the artificial pitch in preparation for laying the ‘carpet’ later in the year.
There is a lot of ‘spoil’ from drainage work stored around the new site and Morbaine have asked if they can move this to our existing site (at the far end of the car park) as they wish to re-use this after we have moved into the new Clubhouse and they have ‘vacant possession’. Negotiations continue…..
The way that the Club will function and ensure its sustainability has been a subject of discussion at the Board over many months. One view expressed is that we can simply transfer our current business model, that of a traditional community rugby Club, to the new facilities and carry on as before. While we have no intention of losing the culture and tradition of a Club with rugby at its core, that approach will not provide a sustainable Club. Times have changed and we can no longer generate enough income from 13 home games and beer sales over a weekend that was the mainstay of the Club in the past. We must create enough income so as not to rely on our capital to make up any shortfall.
The Board’s approach has been to recognise that we need to expand our income streams by using the opportunities presented by the new clubhouse. This means running the Club as a business with employed staff in key positions to market our new facilities for events, weddings and other functions as well as gym membership and hiring of the artificial pitch when not required for our use. Our business plan shows that with that approach we can sustain the Club for the future and ensure we can fulfil the Trust Deed’s wish that we can ‘play rugby in Kendal in perpetuity’.
Kind regards, Stephen Green. Chairman KRUFC