Photo © Johan Siebke
It started with a vision to replace facilities that were dilapidated beyond repair and no longer fit for purpose, with a state-of-the-art multi sports Clubhouse. It reached albeit a midway conclusion on Thursday 19th December when the work of the HHRFC Clubhouse team, after months of intense activity across all aspects of the fundraising, build, fit out and compliance approval, received notification from building control that the new Clubhouse could be used to host the Club’s Christmas Lunch. A series of events will be taking place in the Spring to mark the official opening of the Clubhouse when the car park and padel courts are completed.
The Club was also very fortunate to receive enormous support from its build partner Mitchell Design & Construction who was introduced to the team at a vital time in the project and designed a build solution that met the requirements of the Club within an achievable budget, and then delivered the plans to brief on time and on budget.
The Clubhouse provides six changing rooms with showers, two match officials changing rooms, a shop, physio suite, lift to the first floor function room, the Cripps meeting room, bar and restaurant and large viewing balcony across the 1st XV pitch. The new bar has been constructed with a lower section at one end allowing wheelchair users to access and order their own drinks. There are two accessible toilets and balcony available for match viewing, all accessible via wide doorways to allow wheelchair entry.
Preparation works have started for the building of three padel courts alongside the new Clubhouse in collaboration with Smash Padel and it is hoped these will be open by Spring 2025. Offering a new inclusive sport activity on the doorstep for Mid Sussex residents improving health and wellbeing and social inclusivity for all ages.
If you would like to talk to the Club about how you or your business could help achieve the next milestone in helping to build a community gym at Whitemans Green or discuss new sponsorship and facility usage opportunities generally, contact rugby@hhrfc.co.uk. In addition to the function room and bar, there is a physio suite and a well-equipped 10-person meeting room for hire.
The new Clubhouse and planned future developments are an amazing achievement for the Rugby Club and bring enormous benefits for the wider Mid Sussex community. It really shows what a determined group of volunteers are capable of, even when faced with political, practical and financial challenges throughout. www.whitemansgreensports.club for more information.
To read the full article, please pick up your copy of January’s Cuckfield Life and turn to page 28.