Nottinghamshire County Council grants continued peppercorn lease to Regatta Way Sports Club which hosts West Bridgford Colts FC and Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club.
The Regatta Way Sports Club (RWSC) has been granted a new lease, enabling it to pursue substantial enhancements to its facilities. This delegated decision, approved by the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management on the county council, allows the club to seek crucial funding to support its growth and provide improved opportunities for local sports enthusiasts.
Background
The RWSC, which currently holds a 25-year lease from 2017, is the primary venue for West Bridgford Colts FC and the Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club, but with only eight years left on their existing lease, the club faced worrying
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limitations in securing funding for development projects. The new lease agreement addresses this constraint, providing a pathway for future expansion.
The Clubs
West Bridgford Colts FC stands as the largest grassroots football club in the UK, boasting an impressive 156 teams and over 2,100 players. This includes 26 girls’ teams, 4 men’s teams, 2 women’s teams, and 3 pan-disability teams. The club operates largely through the efforts of 400 volunteer parents. However, due to the absence of an Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP), winter training is dependent on external facilities. With the new lease, the club can access up to £18,000 in funding for floodlight replacement and £42,000 for pitch maintenance over five years. Moreover, they can now apply for Football Foundation funding to develop an ATP at Regatta Way, which will be a “game-changing” addition to their facilities.
Gedling & Sherwood Cricket Club serves 60 senior members and 70 junior members with multiple teams. While they provide a base for six evening league sides and T20 cricket, the quality of their pitches has restricted further development and promotion opportunities. The new lease enables them to apply for funding to improve facilities, such as a semi-permanent tent for outdoor nets, which would extend their usability throughout the year.
Educational Developments
Parallel to these sporting advancements, the Council has been exploring the potential for constructing new secondary and primary schools in the West Bridgford area. The feasibility work, primarily focusing on building within a floodplain, suggests that while the school buildings might occupy fields fronting the A52, the RWSC leased area could be used for sports pitches.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The lease, offered at a peppercorn rent, represents a strategic decision by the Council to promote economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. The undervalue of the lease, estimated at £6,000 per annum over a 30-year period, is justified by the anticipated community benefits. The RWSC’s development will not only enhance local sports facilities but also ensure continued public recreational use of the site.
