The planned redevelopment of the Upper Clutha Rugby Club's clubrooms will provide a modern facility for all organisations, committee member Mike O'Connor says.
The club met last week to discuss the recently completed ''comprehensive'' feasibility study and concept plans.
Mr O'Connor, who is also the pre-project co-ordinator, said the club intended to seek consent to demolish part of the existing clubrooms on the lakeside showgrounds and add a second storey to the building.
The extension would double the size of the clubrooms to about 600sq m and provide four changing-rooms and a recovery room downstairs and a lounge and deck upstairs.
The redevelopment was expected to cost more than $1.5 million.
Mr O'Connor said the facility would be suitable for private functions and it was hoped hiring it out commercially would ensure there was minimal cost, if any, for non-profit clubs or groups wanting to use it.
''It's a great location, great views and plenty of parking.
''The existing clubrooms have been used for weddings, funerals, birthdays, centenaries - the rugby club has been a centrepoint of the Upper Clutha social community and we want to provide a better facility.''
The additional changing rooms would benefit junior rugby players, who were growing in number.
''So everybody can have suitable changing rooms and not have to get changed in the car,'' Mr O'Connor said.
The redevelopment plans began about 18 months ago.
Mr O'Connor said the club was now in a position to pitch its proposal to funding sources and it hoped the upgrade would be completed in 2017.
- Jessica Maddock
