🔵⚪️CLUB STATEMENT🔵⚪️
Beverley Town FC – Supporters' Update
Dear Beavers,
Following our promotion at the end of last season, we shared our plans with supporters to ensure that our ground meets the requirements for Step 4 football. We would now like to provide an update on the progress made since our original statement in April and outline the work taking place behind the scenes.
Funding
We hope to secure a significant proportion of the funding required through the Premier League Stadium Fund. However, we cannot submit an application until we have applied for planning permission. In addition, the funding arrangements require us to contribute 30% of the overall project costs. Raising this substantial amount remains a key priority, and we are working hard to secure the necessary funds. We are extremely grateful to the Cricket and Recreation Club for its generous contribution towards our match funding requirement. Its support is invaluable in helping us move these projects forward.
Planning Permission
Several of the proposed ground improvements require planning permission before work can begin. These include:
1. Turnstile building
2. Male and female toilets
3. Accessible toilet facilities (which may be incorporated into the main toilet building)
4. Catering outlet and committee room
5. Officials' changing room and medical room
We are pleased to confirm that our planning application has now been submitted, and we are awaiting validation by the local authority.
Once validated, the application will be available to view on the council's planning portal, where supporters will have the opportunity to show their support.
We hope this will happen within the next 10 days and will provide further details as soon as they become available.
Boundary Fence
We have been working on designs for a boundary fence that will allow us to create a fully enclosed ground, as required at Step 4.
This is an important element of the project and one that requires careful consideration. The proposed fence will be demountable, meaning it can be removed when necessary to ensure there is no detrimental impact on the cricket outfield.
We are keen to get the design right and hope to be in a position to move forward with this aspect of the project shortly.
Governance
Our progression to Step 4 has also presented several challenges regarding the club's governance and organisational structure.
Following a thorough and lengthy review, the first team has now become a separate legal entity, operating as a company limited by guarantee under the name Beverley Town FC Holdings Limited.
This has been a significant undertaking, and we would like to thank Olly Grantham for leading the process, together with all our stakeholders for their cooperation in reaching an outcome that works for everyone involved.
The considerable amount of time, effort and unpaid work required to reach this point should not be underestimated. Although much of this work has taken place away from the public eye, it represents an important step forward for the club.
We are pleased that the The new company retains close working relationship with the recreation club.
Clubhouse Improvements
In addition to its contribution towards our match funding, the Cricket and Recreation Club has also agreed to make significant investments in the clubhouse.
These improvements will help create a more accessible, welcoming and inclusive facility for everyone who uses it.
These Clubhouse improvements follow on from last year’s refurbishment of new kitchen, carpet, furniture, upholstery and refurbishment of the womens toilets.
Once again, we would like to express our sincere thanks for its continued support and commitment to improving the facilities at Norwood.
Summary
We fully appreciate that, from a supporter's perspective, there may appear to have been limited visible progress at the ground since our promotion.
However, we want to reassure everyone that a tremendous amount of work is taking place behind the scenes to ensure we meet the Step 4 ground requirements by the end-of-March deadline.
The committee remains confident that we can achieve this, although we are under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. Projects of this scale require considerable planning, funding, cooperation and hard work, much of which is not immediately visible.
What gives us confidence is knowing that we have the backing of our fantastic supporters, sponsors and the wider Beverley Town community.
Your continued encouragement and support make a genuine difference as we work towards securing the club's future at this level of football.
If any supporters do wish to volunteer their services, either by helping out at the ground or by contributing financially, please get in touch.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support. Together, we can take Beverley Town FC forward.
Beverley Town FC Committee
