Lincoln Rugby Club must tackle £50k shortfall to complete its move
The city's rugby club needs £50,000 to complete its £1.2 million move to a new home.
The Echo revealed in January that Lincoln Rugby Club is upping sticks to Nettleham.
The club's home fixtures at the 32-acre site in Lodge Lane were set to start two months ago but bad weather has delayed the move.
Club president Bill Green said: "I think perhaps the ambition of playing our home games as early as September this year was very optimistic.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
"A lot of that has been down to the weather.
"One minute it was too dry and then it was too wet. So for one reason or another it was impossible to get the grass seeds down as quickly as we would have liked.
"We simply could not afford to take the risk and fail.
"This project is far too important for the future of Lincoln Rugby Club."
He now says their new home will be ready in time for the new campaign in September 2013, after work began on the clubhouse this week.
It will feature a balcony for 50 spectators overlooking the 1st XV pitch.
But, the club, which has more than 300 members, is still searching for £50,000 for a new bar and kitchen.
"Obviously the bar brings in a lot of revenue for any rugby club and it's all part of keeping the economy moving," said Mr Green.
"The kitchen is vitally important, too.
"It's an exciting project that we are determined to do properly so hopefully we can find this final bit of money."
Lincoln Rugby Club currently hosts matches at Lindum Sports Association in St Giles Avenue.
And the delay in moving has had an impact on Lindum's plans to build a £750,000 state-of-the-art synthetic hockey pitch alongside its cricket ground.
Work was set to start on the initiative, which will include a refurbished clubhouse and extended car park, in April, but has been put back to May 2013.
For the new rugby site, more than 30,000 cubic metres of land has already been lifted and levelled in preparation for 11 pitches and a training facility.
The scheme includes a 8,000 square feet clubhouse, complete with six changing rooms and function area.
There will be facilities for female players and officials. A 140-space car park and floodlights will also be installed.
Comments