Minchinhampton Rugby Football Club has secured planning permission for a major expansion of its clubhouse at Hollybush Farm, with construction expected to begin in phases in 2027.
The project is designed to give the growing community club more room for its expanding membership, including its women’s section, minis, juniors and senior teams. The existing clubhouse, which opened in 2017, has increasingly struggled to meet demand.
Subject to the club’s fundraising plans, the improvements are expected to be completed during 2028.
What the clubhouse plans include
The approved scheme will add two changing-room suites and a dedicated referee changing room. It will also create a Changing Places facility, with improved access throughout the building.
Other planned changes include an enlarged clubroom, a new kitchen and bar, extra lounge space, better storage and cellar facilities, and a dedicated club shop.
The plans have been drawn up by Nailsworth-based architects Austin Design Works. Matthew Austin, the firm’s director and chartered architect, said: “We’re delighted to have helped Minchinhampton RFC secure planning permission for the next stage of the clubhouse.”
He said the club had grown across all age groups since the original building was completed, including a thriving women’s section. The additional changing rooms are intended to give teams and players more appropriate privacy, security and safeguarding when preparing for matches.
“The project is about much more than adding floor space,” Mr Austin said. “Enlarging the clubroom and creating a new kitchen and bar, additional lounge space, better storage and cellar facilities and a Changing Places facility will make the clubhouse work much better for everyone who uses it.”
Accessibility and environmental measures
Accessibility is a central part of the proposal. A new ramped entrance will provide more direct access to the Changing Places and toilet facilities, while the revised entrance and enlarged clubroom are intended to reduce congestion during busy periods.
The extension has been designed to complement the existing clubhouse. It will use sawn larch cladding that is expected to weather to a similar silver-grey finish, along with dark-grey corrugated metal roofing and matching doors and windows.
Solar panels are proposed across the existing and new roof areas to help meet the club’s energy needs. Additional planting is also planned to improve screening and provide ecological benefits.
The development is within the Cotswolds National Landscape. Landscape and ecology work will be used to help the expanded clubhouse remain sensitive to its rural surroundings, with the scheme’s Biodiversity Net Gain plan projecting a 12.99% increase in biodiversity.
Fundraising needed before work begins
Club chairman Morgwn Atkins said the organisation was pleased to continue its partnership with Austin Design Works, which also designed the existing clubhouse.
He said the current building had received positive feedback from visiting teams and supporters and had become an important part of the club.
“The building has become an important part of the club, and we regularly hear how much people appreciate its look, feel and welcoming atmosphere,” Mr Atkins said.
The next stage will require significant fundraising. The club plans to launch several fundraising initiatives over the coming months and has thanked supporters for their enthusiasm, generosity and commitment as it works towards delivering the expansion.
