Rugby clubhouse in rugged shape gets saved
City will pitch in to restore building
By MICHELLE JONDREAU
Wed. Mar 25 - 5:32 AM
The Halifax Rugby Football Club at 5755 Sackville St. will be renovated with financial help from the city. (Darren Pittman / Staff)
The city has decided to help the Halifax Rugby Football Club repair its old clubhouse on Sackville Street so it can be used to hold more events for the public.
"The majority of the building will be used to rent out, much like the St. Mary’s Boat Club," said Ryan Kells, treasurer of the rugby club. "People can hold garden parties, weddings, all sorts of public events."
Coun. Sue Uteck (Northwest Arm-South End) said the clubhouse is in such bad shape that it virtually needs to be replaced, at a cost about $400,000. The rugby club is expected to raise $120,000 and the city will take care of the rest.
"We need to deliberate to make sure the money is in this year’s budget," she said.
The city actually wanted to demolish the 60-year-old clubhouse in 2000 but no final decision was made. And it has since been declared a heritage site.
"It has taken this long to make a decision because the city does not have an attractive heritage incentive plan," Ms. Uteck said.
Mr. Kells said the clubhouse has been condemned for a decade and is an eyesore.
"There is plant growth in the troughs," he said. "The paint is chipping and the deck is falling apart."
The city wants the revamped clubhouse to be more accessible to the public as it opens to more events.
"The building will be wheelchair-accessible," Mr. Kells said. "There will be a kitchen and a bar."
He said the city expects the rugby club to help manage the clubhouse after it is refurbished.
"We need a firm commitment from them," Ms. Uteck said.
Meanwhile, the rugby club would like to have an established area in the city dedicated to the sport, Mr. Kells said.
"There’s limited location to play rugby and football in this area," he said.
With the right facilities, high-calibre international rugby teams could be enticed to come to Halifax, he said.
(
mjondreau@herald.ca)