Rangers home win

A glass fronted balcony provides a modern focal point for the impressive building

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OLD, dilapidated and cramped — the Saddleworth Rangers clubhouse in Greenfield was last worked on in 1976 and has seen better days.

But rugby-mad youngsters were celebrating this week after getting the first glimpse at plans for a sleek new home at the site on Shaw Hall Bank Road.

The promise of a new state-of-the-art building, sporting an impressive glass-fronted balcony, had young hopefuls jumping for joy as the sketches were officially unveiled.

Architects’ plans for the site include a modern two-storey building incorporating a gym, four-court sports centre, function room and spacious changing rooms.

Chairman Terry Flanagan said: “The juniors were so excited when we told them, they just kept asking when it would be ready. The club has been content to be self-assisted and hasn’t really had the investment other clubs have seen but we have to move with the times.

“It won’t just be for rugby. We can work with Uppermill Football Club and other local groups so that they get the benefit from what will be a brilliant development for the area.”

Under the plans, developed by sports specialists S&P Architects, the new structure would be built on the existing car park, taking it up to the edge of the pitch which itself would be moved slightly.

The club hopes that once funding is secured, building will go ahead for completion in summer, 2012.

Part-rendered white combined with a wood-clad finish, the striking new designs will now go before Oldham Council’s Planning Committee.

Terry added: “It will be a fantastic day when it is finished and ready to use. We have worked for a long time on the project and we want to get it right.”