New Ilfracombe clubhouse and community sports hub gains planning permission

Ilfracombe Rugby Club is celebrating after securing planning permission for a brand new clubhouse, sports and community hub.

The proposed clubhouse at Brimlands by the swimming pool will not only serve as a home for youth and adult rugby, but will become a sports and social hub for the whole community, providing a much-needed space for many clubs, teams and local groups.

The development will include modern, fit-for-purpose changing facilities, with dedicated spaces for girls and women – ensuring rugby and other sports are accessible to everyone in Ilfracombe.

Above: An artist’s impression of how the new Ilfracombe Rugby Club clubhouse could look. Credit: Ilfracombe RFC

With planning permission over the line, the club is now launching a major fund raising drive to turn the vision into reality.

Club chairman Nathan Townsend said this was the start of a new chapter for the town: “This could be one of the most important developments the town has seen in a long time. We see this facility being used every day of the week, with other sports clubs and groups taking advantage of the facilities.”

He added: “A major new addition will be a stunning function space on a new upper story, with amazing views from the balcony over the harbour, plus a bar and a new kitchen.

“This will be an amazing space for functions of all kinds, and we will make it available at very reasonable rates. Whether it’s a wedding, social group, meeting, birthday party or an after-work pint with a view – this will be a space for the whole community.”

Above: How the new Ilfracombe Rugby Club facility could look inside, with a viewing balcony overlooking the pitch plus space for multiple uses. Credit: Ilfracombe RFC

Nathan said the support of the whole community was now needed to bring the project to fruition.

He said: “Our town has so much potential, and we want to give local people – especially young people – the facilities they deserve. But we can’t do this alone. We need the support of our community to help raise the funds needed to bring this project to life.

“If anyone would like to support in any way, either by offering practical help with the build or a donation to get us to our total, please get in touch with us.”

The new clubhouse will aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The club said one of the key benefits is ensuring girls who want to play rugby have their own changing spaces – a huge step in opening up opportunities for female players.

Alex Metcalf, who helps run the club’s youth section, said: “We’ve seen so much enthusiasm for rugby among local kids and it’s especially inspiring to see more girls wanting to get involved.

“Right now, our facilities just don’t match their ambition. Having dedicated changing rooms for girls will make a massive difference, sending a clear message that rugby – and indeed all sport - is for everyone. This project is about building confidence and pride in our community.”

Above: The new facility would serve as a hub for various sports and community groups. Credit: Ilfracombe RFC

Ilfracombe Rugby Club president Councillor Paul Crabb said this was the culmination of many years work.

He went on: “It’s been around 15 years since we had this vision, which was kick-started with a visit to Exeter Chiefs with their owner, Tony Rowe. We took on board his advice on how we could grow as a club, inspired by what they have done for rugby in Devon.

“Since then, it’s been a huge amount of work to find the right plan to move our club forward, but we’re delighted to have planning permission to build something which will make a real difference to our town.

“Credit to all those within the rugby club who’ve never given up hope, and thanks to Ilfracombe Town Council and North Devon Council for their backing.”

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Ilfracombe Rugby Club is now calling on local businesses, residents, and supporters to get behind the project. Every donation, sponsorship, or fundraising effort will take the club one step closer to the project happening.

Nathan said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build something truly special for Ilfracombe.

“We’re asking everyone in the community to come on this journey with us. Together, we can make it happen.”

For more information on how to support the fundraising campaign, please email club chairman Nathan Townsend on townsendnath@hotmail.com.