LSH plans to improve changing rooms get green light

An application proposing the demolition of the existing changing rooms and gym, and the erection of new changing rooms – at the site on Moss Lane – has been given the green light.

It has been approved, subject to conditions.

The Windle-based club held a junior festival earlier this year (Image: LSH)

According to a cover letter, this is the first project as part of “wider aspirations” to improve the overall club facilities on the site that will “serve the community for the next few generations of sports participants”.

'In dire need of renewal'

It added: “Liverpool St Helens is a community rugby union club with a rich history, with it being the oldest open rugby club in the world.

“Unfortunately, our changing room facilities is no longer fit for purpose and are in dire need of renewal.

“This is made more significant by the fact that we now have thriving juniors and ladies’ sections as well.

“The ladies and girls’ section in particular is a great success story for our club, with the ladies team winning back to back promotions in the last couple of seasons and the club having produced players for the England national squads in both rugby league and rugby union.

“Our changing rooms are not only dated, they are also not suitable for hosting both ladies and men’s matches. We have been engaged with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) over a number of years for some new facilities.

Seeking funding

“To enable us to become eligible for some grant funding from the RFU, we need to be able to demonstrate that we have planning permission for the proposed project, and we will have to generate match funding to meet the RFU funding.

“Through our club members we have generated sufficient commitments to meet the match funding required from the RFU.

“Obtaining the required planning permission is therefore the next critical step for making the new changing facilities a reality.”