THE GREENYARDS FOUNDATION
Members were recently invited to attend presentations and discussion at the club on the subject of the Greenyards Foundation, and to hear proposals on the potential future development of The Greenyards.
Brendan Molloy sat down with Phil Morris afterwards to get more detail on the proposal.
BM: Phil, what is the issue with how we are set up now?
PM: The club is currently the owner of a building that is built on land that is owned by the Ormiston Trust (which is run by the Scottish Borders Council on behalf of the community). The pavilion is beginning to require serious renovation such as the roof and other fundamental maintenance issues that the club cannot afford. At the same time the facility is being challenged by modern lifestyles and modern legislation that requires separate changing facilities for females, access for those with lesser mobility and protection for younger people. The club struggles to meet these requirements within the current facility. As such it is strongly felt that we need to start planning for a serious upgrade, if not a complete overhaul of the current facility.
BM: So, what are our options?
PM: In order to upgrade the facility, we can either:
Try to raise the funds required ourselves in our current form, or
Become a charity and try and raise the funds via a Charity set up.
BM: How much are we talking we need to raise?
PM: In 2016 when this was last looked at the proposal was costed at £6m. It is felt that this would now likely be nearer £10m to £20m. Given the size of funding required then it is felt we need to consider the charity option to be able to access the funding pots required to get to that amount of money.
BM: Is this even realistic to raise £10m+?
PM: We have engaged the services of a professional fundraiser who was involved with the Abbotsford, Trimontium Museum and Edinburgh Accies projects and his view (along with the Scottish Borders Council) is that it is realistic as long as the Charity (Greenyards Foundation) is for the benefit of the whole Melrose community.
BM: So run me through this Charity idea!
PM: The idea is that we create a charity (regulated by OSCR) to own and manage the Greenyards. This charity will be for the benefit of Melrose Rugby Club and the wider ‘Eildon catchment area’ to include Melrose Primary School, Earlston High School, St Mary’s School, Melrose Football Club and certain public bodies, such as the NHS. The charity would then be tasked with raising the funds to redevelop the Greenyards into a modern facility. Within the facility there would be areas that are exclusively rented by Melrose Rugby Club such as a bar / events area and hopefully a Heritage Museum/ cafe. Other areas in the facility would be more communal in nature for use by many interested parties including but not exclusively the rugby club.
BM: What are the consequences of having a charity?
PM: A Charity has to be for public benefit and has to have independent trustees who ensure that the facility is being run for public benefit. The charity becomes the owner / landlord of the Greenyards and will need to set appropriate rental rates for each bit of the facility. The charity becomes responsible for the ongoing success of the facility.
BM: And what are the consequences for the Rugby Club?
PM: The Club will become a tenant of the charity at rental rates to be agreed. However, we would be renting brand new, modern and compliant facilities including a Heritage Museum / cafe that should become a good revenue generator. We would also potentially have better corporate facilities which are important to increasing revenue during both the regular season and also at the Sevens.
“IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEVENS IN 2033 PLAYED IN FRONT OF THE NEW FACILITY IF POSSIBLE””
BM: How many years away is this new facility?
PM: Clearly this project is going to take some serious time to come to fruition and estimates vary from 3 to 7 years away. It would be nice to have the 150th anniversary of the Sevens in 2033 played in front of the new facility if possible.
BM: And will the press box be kept?
PM: We don’t know, clearly heritage is an important part of the club and building, so that will be briefed in at the pre-feasibility study stage. However, it will be up to the feasibility study to propose the best way forward for design, utility and financial impact.
BM: Will the words “Melrose Rugby” remain above the stand?
PM: In all likelihood, yes, Melrose Rugby will be the primary tenant of any new facility and it is intended that we retain our prominent branding over any new facility. BM: What is being asked of the membership now? PM: At this stage we would like to undertake a feasibility study to the project including outline designs, outline business plans. This study is likely to cost in the region of £150k and will be funded from partners such as the Scottish Borders Council. As such initially the Club Board are seeking approval via a general membership meeting to allow a feasibility study to take place and in principle to accept the recommendations of that study subject to due diligence by the club.
BM: I don’t believe the board are critical, or indeed cynical enough about projects like this, and want a chance to scrutinise details?
PM: At every stage then club members will have the opportunity to challenge and query the plans and studies and to make comments and suggestions. Nothing significant can be approved without the support of the members and this will be sought at each milestone stage. Obviously, any member is encouraged and entitled to bring forward alternative proposals as to how we modernise the club facility and make it fit for purpose in the modern era.
BM: What will the feasibility study do?
PM: The feasibility study will work o the scope that we provide which will be to look at modernising the Greenyards to be fit for the modern world with a number of requests / requirements such as;
Club house / Event area for up to 200
Changing rooms for all
Kids play area
Heritage Museum / cafe
Sponsor suites
BM: Thank you Phil. Finally, what are the next steps?
PM: As I explained, the Club Board are seeking approval via a general membership meeting to allow a feasibility study to take place. We hope to have this meeting at the Club before the end of January, 2025. Assuming we get the go ahead, we will fully scope the feasibility study and work with the council to raise funding to pay for such a study.