Transformation, transformation

Rugby club’s school project gets £100,000 boost

A RUGBY Club’s plans to transform a disused school into a thriving community venue has received a huge boost after getting business backing.

Property developer Styles and Wood, which originated in Oldham, has chosen the Higginshaw Community Project (HCP) as this year’s recipient of its Big Challenge award and will provide around £100,000 in labour and material costs to renovate the old school hall.

It puts Higginshaw Rugby Club close to realising its dream of transforming the former St Stephen’s School into a multi-functional community centre to boost the deprived area.

Organisers have already stripped out the hall and are delighted with the backing, which they say will provide massive impetus to the project. They’re now seeking volunteers to help with the work.

Treasurer Darryl McLean said: “Not only do we proudly believe this to be a considerable step in moving forward, but also significantly demonstrates the ever-growing awareness, support and drive of local businesses and the community at large to our scheme.”

HCP has registered as a charity and bought the building and aims to create a community venue for groups to use as well as provide employment opportunities.

Plans have been drawn up for a gymnasium, fitness centre, sports hall, changing rooms, toilet facilities and a bar area. An extension is planned for the back of the property as well as an outdoor children’s play area.

Styles and Wood specialises in superstore fit-outs, renovations and restorations and ongoing management services, and have access to a large number of contractors.

The Big Challenge has been running for six years and aims to inject life back into deserving local causes with applicants fiercely competing to be the one winner each year.

Higginshaw board members Phil Ward, John Mellor and Mr McLean worked on the successful application.

Work will take place in the first two weeks of December with a grand opening planned for the end of the year and part of the facility operational shortly after.

To prepare for the work the rugby club will have to strip the roof back, over-board, insulate and rip out the old wooden floor over the next five weeks.

Specially-trained people will complete the skilled tasks but organisers are appealing for volunteers to help with manual lifting, carrying and clearing work. The work will be held at four-hour intervals every Saturday and Sunday.