WORK has started on a £1.3m project to create a new home for Ashfield Rugby Club.

The sporting and community hub is being built on land off Sutton Road, Kirkby.

The ground will be named after Kirkby’s cricket legend Harold Larwood and it is hoped it will be ready for the 2016/17 season.

The club and property developer Westerman Homes plan to build a two-storey clubhouse, rugby and cricket pitches, and a multi-use games area.
Ashfield is looking for around £100,000 to complete the Larwood Park project and is appealing for sponsorship help from local business.

Vice-chairman David Owen said: “We will manage and make available a community facility that we hope other organisations will use to better support local social activities.

“It is envisaged the new facilities will be used by sports and social clubs covering rugby, basketball, football, netball and cricket along with mother and baby groups, slimming groups and other community-related clubs.

“We hope these facilities will help support local community groups who need a base for the future.”

The club has juniors, men’s and women’s senior teams playing from one base and youngsters from under-six to under-16 playing tag rugby at another site. The new facilities will bring the club under one roof.

Press officer Paul Wilson said: “This is going to bring everyone together. It is a little disjointed at the moment, though we are very appreciative of what we have right now as some clubs don’t even have that.”

Ashfield plays in Midlands 4 East and hopes the project will help it move up the sports ladder.

Anyone interested in helping the club and the Larwood Park project, or wanting to get their club or group to use the facilities, should contact 07970 454501.