Full steam ahead for Parkstone Yacht Club's new clubhouse
by Candice Bealing 11 Jun 2016 10:06 BST
11 June 2016
Parkstone Yacht Club new clubhouse © Architecture PLB
Local construction company Stepnell has started work on a £4.2 million contract to build a state-of-the art new clubhouse for Parkstone Yacht Club on Pearce Avenue in Parkstone, Poole.
Parkstone Yacht Club, which was formed in 1895, provides recreational sailing facilities to 2,800 members including around 480 youth sailors between the ages of four and 18 who are mostly locally based. Its current building, which dates from the 1930s has now been outgrown, despite many alterations and refurbishments over the last 80 years.
Stepnell will design and build a smart new three storey facility with flexible accommodation which can be adapted to support a wide range of sailing events. The new building will feature social function facilities, a restaurant and bar, and conference and committee rooms.
"We are delighted to be working with Parkstone Yacht Club on this fantastic new clubhouse which will offer some of the best sailing facilities on the South Coast," says Robert Speirs, regional director for Stepnell. "When it's completed, we hope the new building and its purpose-built facilities will be a real asset to the Club and encourage many new members to get involved in sailing."
The clubhouse will also have external terraces overlooking Poole Harbour giving spectators a bird's eye view of the Club's sailing events. Stepnell is installing photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the building which will help keep the building's energy costs down.
"This is a great moment in our history. A huge amount of work has gone into getting the project approved and the members are getting excited about the prospect of moving into our new home," says Bryan Drake, commodore at Parkstone Yacht Club. "This project can only enhance our position as one of the country's premier yacht clubs. We are looking forward to working closely with the team from Stepnell to ensure that the project runs smoothly and that members can carry on enjoying their sailing for the duration of the build."
The new clubhouse is due for completion in September next year.