WINNINGTON Park can make plans for the future after reaching an agreement with their landlords to play at Burrows Hill for the next quarter of a century.

Chairman Terry Jones signed a new lease after concluding negotiations with Ecolab this week.

“This arrangement gives us real peace of mind,” he said.

“We’ll be playing rugby here now until at least 2041.

“It’s taken a while to put together, but we’re happy with where we’ve ended up and I know that our landlords feel the same way.

“That relationship is stronger now.”

He told the Guardian a clause in the deal compels Ecolab, who are based next door, to relocate the club nearby with at least an equivalent facility should they decide to build on the pitches.

Weaver Valley Cycling Club and Winnington Park Ladies Hockey Club are also based there, and a neighbouring junior football club may follow too after making an approach in recent weeks.

The annual Chester 7s - a multi-sport event including hockey, netball and rugby tournaments - has also held its past two editions at the Northwich club.

Jones said: “It’s a become a real hub.

“That’s what we want, and why we worked so hard on the project to overhaul the main room.”

Last year council planners gave their approval to a proposal from Park to extend their clubhouse.

Once built, it will include a separate space for female players and teams to change and shower.

An indoor gym and training area for all of the club’s members, as well as a first-floor balcony for spectators, also form part of the plan.