WORK to build a brand new changing room facility at Dursley Rugby Club has reached the half way mark.

Contractors have completed the first stage of the £500,000 project, which included ground work preparations and the erection of the main building, ahead of the expected opening in March.

Club chairman Simon Bilous said: “Work is really gathering pace and we’re delighted to see the roof finally go on. 

“I’d like to thank Smiths of Gloucester and EG Carter for their work so far. 

“The new changing rooms will provide more modern and efficient facilities, and be able to host six teams at once, allowing senior women’s, men’s and youth teams to use the facilities at the same time – something we can’t do now. 

“They are being built to meet national Rugby Football Union standards and the needs of a growing rugby club and running club both based here at Stinchcombe.”

The new changing rooms will provide more space for players of Dursley Rugby Club and runners from Dursley Running Club and will offer self-contained changing and showering facilities – meaning every age group and gender can use them at the same time. 

The £500,000 project is the biggest single investment in the club’s history and comes as a result of the generosity of club members and individuals.

The club also received financial and grants support from a number of organisations including Smiths Gloucester Ltd, Magnox, Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association, Gloucestershire County Council Active Together, the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, Summerfield Charitable Trust and Dursley Running Club.