Enhancing Community Facilities at Penarth Athletic Club

The foundations were set for the modern day Penarth Athletic Club, more than 100 years ago when Penarth RFC was founded, in 1880, by Cyril and Llewellyn Batchelor. The club moved to its present site, at The Athletic Field on Lavernock Road, Penarth, after the First World War, leading to the construction of the club house and its heritage spectators stand, which commemorates players lost in France during the First World War. One of the key highlights in the Athletic Club's history was the traditional hosting of the world-famous Barbarians Football Club at annual Good Friday fixtures, (from 1901 - 1986)that were always attended by enthusiastic capacity crowds. This fixture marked the start of the “Baa-Baas” annual South Wales tour from their “spiritual home” of Penarth, which also encompassed playing Cardiff RFC on the Saturday, Swansea RFC on Easter Monday and Newport RFC on the Tuesday. Since the establishment of Penarth Athletic Club, fortunes and sporting successes have risen and fallen. However, there is no question that the club remains at the heart of the Penarth community.

Currently the club is home to Penarth RFC, Penarth Cricket Club, and Penarth Hockey Club. Participation and sporting achievements have been going from strength to strength in the last 10 years. Penarth RFC 1st IV have been promoted in the last two consecutive seasons. Coupled with strong growth in the Cricket and Rugby Mini and Junior Sections the foundations for the future are firmly set.

Unfortunately news was not so good for the clubhouse and heritage stand, which have weathered the elements for 100 years with cracks starting to show which led to the stand being closed indefinitely and other maintenance issues emerging. At the same time the Athletic Club was asked to work on a Community Asset Transfer, with the club taking on the maintenance of the site and sports facilities, requiring significant revenue to safeguard the future of the club and it's place in the local community.

The Athletic Club's talented and enthusiastic volunteers, started work on seeking funding to capitalize on the club's central location and parking. The community focused club is already used by some local organizations and groups who hold their meetings and workshops here. The space is also popular for private celebrations such as birthday parties, anniversaries, and other milestones. Plans were put in place to redevelop an area of the club into a dedicated community space, with bar and kitchen facilities suitable for a large range of needs and events. The aim is to increase availability of the facilities to the local community, and encourage increased participation in sports and other activities.

In March 2024, Penarth Athletic Club secured funding from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

In May 2024, the project commenced with Concrete Structures and Floors Ltd as the main contractor. With an 8 week lead time the project comprises of the following works:

• Internal demolition and strip out works in the existing long room.
• Remediation of the roof area/ underside of the stand to meet current building regulations.
• Insulation
• New windows
• Electrics and plumbing with the help of some local businesses.
• Upgrades to the existing bar to create a full service bar area for private events.
• Upgrades to the kitchen facilities to provide kitchen space for private or professional use for events.
• Enhanced, secure and dry storage facilities.

The works have completely changed what was a cold and tired long room. Take a look at some of the progress photos below and follow our updates here as we push towards the grand opening on 19th July 2024. If you are interested in booking the new space for your group or event, please follow this link.

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