Bentley Amateur Rugby League Football Club in Doncaster, is celebrating the construction of its first ever clubhouse, creating a fitting tribute to the club’s 60th anniversary year. And to safeguard the future of its beloved new building, the club used a package of industry-leading aluminium rainwater systems from Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).
Bentley ARLFC is a community-run rugby club with 350 registered players and volunteers, including two open-age adult teams, ten junior teams, and more recently, its first girl’s team. The club is a much-loved and significant part of the local Doncaster community, but historically, has led a nomadic existence, playing at various local venues, pubs and working men’s clubs. Following a period of substantial growth, the club officials decided it was time to bring the game home, and set about the design and planning of Bentley’s first ever dedicated clubhouse.
The new facility was made possible by various funding resources, including grants from Rugby League World Cup Legacy, Sport England, and numerous local businesses and fundraising initiatives. The completed building, designed and project managed by the architect Tom Elliot of Gilbert Elliot Rowe Limited (GER), is modern and accessible, comprising four changing rooms, two referees’ changing rooms, a bar and kitchen, and a communal area to support the diverse needs of all the club’s members.
Located on Bentley Recreation Ground, the project boasts a number of environmental considerations, which included the sensitive relocation of wildlife habitats and significant replanting to increase and support the local ecology. The recyclability of aluminium synchronised well with the project’s strong environmental values, and Club Secretary Kevin Harmer approached Alumasc for their advice. AX half-round gutters and Swaged downpipes from Alumasc Rainwater, and Skyline Architectural Aluminium fascia and soffits, were eventually specified in black by GER.
Alumasc then introduced the club to their approved installer Plasufix Limited, who had seen the project being talked about on social media, and were keen to be involved. There was a strict deadline in place for the grand opening; the facilities needed to be ready in time for the last game of the season, and other trades, who were already booked, could not carry out their work until the building envelope had been completed. Plasufix use Alumasc products extensively, and were confident that the installation could be carried out successfully within the required timescales.
Working closely with Alumasc, who had measured up and prepared the site in readiness, Dean Garnham from Plasufix, managed the install, and got his team on site immediately.
“Having worked with Alumasc products on a substantial number of installations, I was really keen to be involved in this lovely grassroots project, and knew that the tight deadlines wouldn’t be a problem. There were no issues on site, and the high-quality product ensured a quick and efficient install, with no unforeseen challenges. The external works were finished within deadline and in good time for the opening. It was a great team effort, resulting in a very worthy community success story. Plasufix were proud to be involved.”
AX is an economical range of extruded aluminium gutter sections designed for traditional wet jointing on site. Three profiles are available in a choice of sizes. The AX range is lightweight and easy to handle and fix, whilst also offering maximum durability and high corrosion resistance. The Swaged extruded downpipe system is fully compatible with AX, and offers a long-life alternative to uPVC gutters.
Alumasc’s Skyline facia soffit system was installed around the eavesline, providing a high performance, visual finish. Skyline is manufactured from superior polyester powder-coated aluminium and is available in a selection of standard bold generic shapes. Bespoke designs are available to order.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable, carrying a life expectancy of up to 40 years in rural/suburban areas, and up to 25 years in industrial/marine areas.
Bentley’s club secretary Kevin Harmer, couldn’t be happier with the completed building, and is looking forward to the new facility benefiting the community that has supported the club for six decades. He comments:
“The building of the clubhouse is the single biggest project that the club has ever undertaken. With the growth we have seen over the last 10 years, it was time for us to stand on our own two feet and provide a facility worthy of the club’s current standing. We celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, and for the club management it was important to ensure we have a facility that provides a platform for further growth over the next 60 years and beyond.
“We were working to a tight budget, however, we were also acutely aware of our environmental responsibility, and have tried where possible to choose products that not only help protect the environment, but also offer durability and performance that will save us money in the long run. Alumasc offered this in their products, with the enhanced life-cycle, low maintenance and durable ranges we specified. In addition, they look fantastic; their ability to supply the products in our chosen RAL colour to match the doors, windows and roller shutters, has really set off the aesthetics of the building.
