Millwall Rugby Club gets cash for clubhouse scheme

By Simon Hayes on December 12, 2008 12:32 PM |

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Millwall Rugby Club’s future on the Isle of Dogs has been secured after they were given funds to build their new clubhouse.

The grant of £34,780 will enable the club to finish converting two railway arches in Millwall Park into changing rooms, a kitchen and other facilities, with completion expected early next year.

The grant, from the Isle of Dogs Community Foundation, is part of the planning gain money for the Millennium Quarter development in the Isle of Dogs.

Club chairman Mike Costin said the cash was a welcome boost for the club as it looked to cement its community ties.

He said: “Getting the money was a huge relief to us because of the amount of work going in to create this clubhouse.

“To say we are delighted would be an understatement. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by many people in the club and it means we won’t be heavily in debt and it’s doubly lucky because planning gain money is likely to dry up with the scaling back of building work in Tower Hamlets.�?

The railway arches were out of use for more than 20 years until the rugby club, the Docklands Settlement and George Green’s School were each granted use of two each, three years ago.

Millwall are the first to have developed their arches, despite opposition from some neighbouring residents over plans to have a bar on the premises, a dispute now reportedly resolved.

Mr Costin said: “We really want to make Millwall Park our permanent home. We could have moved out of the area but we want to stay here and help develop the game on the Isle of Dogs.

“Our youth teams already play on the park and we hope the senior sides will be able to to do so from next season.�?

The award means Millwall can concentrate on developing the playing side of the club, and with the First XV going great guns and the youth programme flourishing these are exciting times for the area’s top side.

Millwall are also playing their part in bringing new players to the game with their involvement in the Josh Lewsey Rugby Academy scheme.

Schoolchildren from Tower Hamlets took part in a mini-tournament in the park last week with three – St Lukes, St Agnes and Old Palace – winning the chance to play at Twickenham before the Nomura Varsity match.