CONSTRUCTION of a new Wirral rugby clubhouse is now underway as part of a major house-building scheme.

Anselmians Rugby Club in Eastham has teamed up with Archway Homes for the project that will also see a community hub, pitches and parking created on land at Malone Field on Eastham Village Road.

The existing clubhouse has been demolished to make way for 21 new homes, on a development which will be called Eastham Field.

Work on the foundations of the new clubhouse started in early September. It is hoped the facilities will be finished by late spring and the new building could be available for use by the late summer.

Club chairman Ravi Sibal said: "From a club perspective it will be absolutely massive because at the moment we are split across two sites.

"The three senior teams have been playing at Vauxhall’s but everyone wants to be back in the clubhouse.

"Juniors have been playing at Port Sunlight Rugby Club, we've lost players and whole teams due to the lack of facilities; we are keen to build momentum and have a full complement of junior sides next season.

"In effect we haven't had any facilities for them to play.

"The situation is serious across Wirral as more and more kids aren't playing rugby or any sport for that matter.

"We're working on a plan with Cheshire RFU to see what we can do with local schools to bring people back."

There are six junior age groups ranging from under six to under 17s. The club intends to grow but only to a limit of up to 25 children per side to ensure young players can enjoy the sport and play at least half a match.

Mr Sibal continued: "The new clubhouse will not only include changing facilities for both men and women, and a bar area with terrace overlooking the main pitch.

"It will also have a function room that we hope will bring much needed facilities to the village and revenue into the club.

"It won't be available until late next summer but we’re already receiving enquiries for room hire.

"We're also looking at hosting activities such as dance clubs or yoga classes. It will have a real family feel to it and will enable us to be more involved in the local community.”

Samantha Dean, sales manager for Archway Homes, said: "Sports clubs like Anselmians are at the heart of the community.

"By building new homes we’re helping the club move into a new home of its own and supporting local people leading more active lifestyles."

During a recent visit to the site, ward councillor Phil Gilchrist said: "A new era of community development is about to start in Eastham.

"Local people have long hoped for a modern community facility.

"Residents of the village have also sought a solution to parking problems in the area and a traffic-calming scheme.

"The local youth hub has also been anxious to secure a new home.

"Co-operation between the long-established rugby club, the council and Archway Homes has put together a project that meets all these hopes and needs.

"All the local councillors look forward to the successful completion of this."