Rugby club to take over ground under lease from Sandwell Council
Wednesbury Rugby Club have played at the Woden Road site for over 20 years.
Wednesbury Rugby Club is set to take over the publicly owned site it’s called home for over 20 years, under a 35-year lease with Sandwell Council.
If approved, the deal would allow the club to invest in facilities while helping the council cut costs as it looks to save £2.5 million from its property budget.
The community asset transfer would see the club pay just £1 a year — and make major upgrades, including a new clubhouse and improved pitches.
The council's cabinet report said the current market rental for the site is £12,500 a year and is valued at around £200,000.
“The grant of a 35-year lease at an annual £1 rent means the council is foregoing the market rent that would be payable for the property during that period. This is mitigated by the effective transfer of responsibility for the repair, maintenance and insuring of the property to the proposed tenant; and the broader community benefits to the area.”
The club also plans to boost youth rugby and host more inclusive groups and events.
The report said: “Alongside the senior rugby setup, the club also host numerous events and user groups at the club, and as part of developing this further, will be setting up Wednesbury rugby for young children, introducing walking rugby, supporting development of girls and women’s rugby, offering touch rugby to support health and wellbeing, exercise classes, along with introducing other community groups to the club.”