Changing Room Development Project. May 2024 Update
It was not surprising that we received an overwhelmingly positive response to the proposed new changing room development, given the current state of changing facilities for hockey section members.
We received 80 responses to the recent questionnaire and we wanted to update you on the progress of the project, outline some of the challenges that we will face and provide some answers to queries that arose in the replies.
Current Status
We have finalised financial quotes for the surveys and professional services that we will require to prepare a scheme for a planning application. These include architectural and engineering services along with tree, ground and drainage survey work.
Prior to the club appointing professional services and expending monies we decided to submit a pre-application enquiry to Leeds City Council planning authority. This is a formal process in which the planners will confirm their initial thoughts on the project and the location of the facility. It does not guarantee planning permission but it can inform our approach to the project design.
The feedback we received from the planners this week was positive in terms of the principle of the proposal and also the scale and initial designs of the building. We have therefore decided to proceed with preparing the information required for a full planning application, which we hope to submit in September this year
We have also consulted with local councillors who are members of the AWMA who are very supportive of what we are looking to do.
Feedback on questionnaire
Vision for the Project
The brief for the project has always been to provide modern Sport England compliant changing facilities, along with a small social space that can be used as a team meeting room or as a base for when festivals, tournaments or club days take place on the pitch. It is not the intention to provide pitch side bar facilities, except possibly occasionally when the above events take place. We are looking at the feasibility of including a small kitchenette in order to provide refreshments such as teas, coffees and bacon sandwiches.
Location
We consider that the land adjacent to the pitch is the preferred location as to how players will use the facilities.
The existing cricket pavilion would be difficult to convert into current day Sport England requirements and to extend it presents potential planning difficulties.
A location on the overflow parking area would compromise what is already a challenging parking issue and sits directly in line with Adel Church, a grade 1 Listed Building, making obtaining planning approval particularly difficult
Scale of Building
To develop a two storey facility with a bar and viewing facilities at first floor level would add significant costs and would be unlikely to receive planning approval, due to proximity to the properties off Long Causeway to the rear of the site.
We realise that the ability of spectators to view games is important so we will be looking to provide partially covered raised areas within the external landscape design to provide improved views of the pitch.
Accommodation
The accommodation schedule that we have provided to the architects includes for four changing rooms and shower facilities to enable overlap for teams finishing games and those about to play. The building will be designed to be fully accessible with disabled wc and change facilities.
There were a number of useful ideas for both room types and fixtures and fittings, and we will be looking to incorporate a number of these as we develop the designs further.
Sustainability
We will deliver as sustainable a facility as possible and will be considering a range of design options, including green roofs, a highly insulated fabric and reviewing how the building is serviced in as energy efficient a manner as possible.
Next Steps
Once the designs have developed further we propose to hold an engagement event for club members and local neighbours to view the proposals and make comments for review by the design team prior to finalising the scheme for planning.
Funding
We are not yet in a position to provide an estimated cost for the proposal. Once the required surveys are undertaken and the detailed design work has been undertaken a Quantity Surveyor will assess the proposals and provide us with a cost estimate. This will be undertaken prior to any planning application, so that if required design amendments can be made, thus ensuring that the submitted scheme reflects our requirements but also what we believe we will be able to afford.
Realistically we will require grant funding to supplement the clubs fund raising efforts but applications for grants are not accepted until we have a planning approval. We have however commenced discussions with Sport England and England Hockey so that they are aware of our plans and can support us through the process.
It was great to see such a range of fund raising ideas. Sam and Emmie have started the ball rolling (https://app.goodhub.com/adelchangingrooms) so please do all you can to assist and help the hockey club raise the monies towards this much needed facility.
If anyone has any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
Andrew Grindrod andrewgrindrod6@gmail.com
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