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The tennis club has been investigating the building of a new, enlarged clubhouse since the AGM in November 2023.   This page provides a recap of the decision-making process to date.

As custodians of our club, we need to be looking ahead and investing in the club to ensure its long-term survival.  This includes having facilities fit for the future to retain and encourage membership.

The club has a healthy annual surplus which comfortably covers our recurring need to resurface our courts.  Having recently upgraded our floodlights, our attention has turned to other capital spending requirements.

Before deciding upon a new clubhouse, we considered other development ideas such as adding a 4th court.  It was felt that we would need increased membership to support this and a better clubhouse would be needed to help attract new members.

A Padel court was also discussed, but there was little interest from the membership to develop this idea further.  A court would cost more than £80,000 and require additional land.  We also anticipated that the noise level would be a barrier to planning and detract from the quiet surroundings we enjoy whilst playing tennis.

Pickleball is another option for expanding the offering of the club, and we are open to discussing this further with the membership.

When we discussed investment in the club at the 2023 AGM, there was a very clear mandate from the membership to improve the social space and facilities at the club.

DECISION: Improve clubhouse facilites

At this point, Neil Watkins became project lead.

The following options have been considered to improve the Clubhouse offering:

1) Approach the Bowls Club to share their facility:  

The footpath running between the clubs limits our use of their building.  We want to be able to move easily between our building and the courts and be able to watch tennis from inside.

2) Refurbish the current building:

The building is coming to the end of its life.  We would need to invest a considerable sum to make it a more comforable place, and would still be limited by space.

3) Build a new, larger clubhouse:

Decided as the best course of action

Detailed plans were drawn up by an architect and shared with the membership at the 2024 AGM.  

DECISION: Build a larger clubhouse

Quotes were obtained from 3 builders, all in excess of £100,000, which was deemed too expensive.

We reconsidered keeping the existing structure, upgrading it and extending its footprint.  Again this was expensive and would require many compromises in design.

In light of these figures, we have moved towards off-the-shelf buildings.  They allow us to increase the size of our building in an economical way.  Internally, we will be able to section and fit out to our requirements largely in line with our initial plans drawn up by the artictect.  

We anticipate that we can achieve our requirement for c£75K following this approach.  That is to knock down the current clubhouse, prepare the new base, erect the off-the- shelf building and have it fitted out with a kitchen, toilet, lighting, heating and fixtures and fittings etc. 

DECISION: Focus on an off-the-shelf structure

Following the recent club survey, we have agreement to submit a new set of plans to Hart District Council, which will cost c£3K to £5K.  We expect a decision within 3 months of application and will have 3 years in which to build.

DECISION: Apply for planning

The project to date was summarised at the 2025 AGM.  Attendees were keen that we start the fundraising process without delay to have a clear understanding of the funds available for the project so that we can look to build as soon as possible.

DECISION: Confirm available cash

We will be contacting members to ask for pledges and understand how many will consider 3-year memberships and/or loans to bring forward our cash inflows.

See the clubhouse financing page for more details of our financial position.

Once we have access to the required funds, a fully costed plan for the new clubhouse will be presented to the membership to proceed.