£250k Renovations Get Green Light At Lady Alice Bowling Club
L-R: Marco Rebecchi (Rebecchi Architectural), Robert Finlay (Robscot Builders), Joe Carruthers and Jim Gallacher (Lady Alice BC) and Cllr Tommy McVey.
A bowling club that has been at the heart of its community for over a century is undergoing a quarter of a million pound facelift.
Lady Alice BC has been given the green light to install a new toilet block with disabled access at the back of the club and an extension at the front of the Inverkip Road facility.
The funds have been obtained through grants from EB Scotland Ltd, the National Lottery and Inverclyde Council and work is being carried out by Robscot Builders, with support from Rebecchi Architectural.
The existing dilapidated section housing the loos and part of the bar area will be demolished to make way for the new additions to the 107-year-old facility.
The project, which is due to be completed in time for Christmas, has been dubbed a 'dream come true’ by committee members Joe Carruthers and Jim Gallacher.
Joe said "This process started in 2017.
"Since then it's been a real work in progress to get it started.
"It's been years of hard work to secure grants and we are now finally making progress.
"It's going to be great for both members and the community to have updated facilities."
An aerial view of Lady Alice BC
Plans for the facility include separate access to the member lounge and function suite as well as a disabled toilet with baby changing and breastfeeding facilities.
Jim said the pandemic threw a 'spanner in the works' for plans. He said:
"It's brilliant to see the project get off the ground.
"It's been a long time in coming and will really help to future-proof the club.
"We honestly didn't think it would ever happen, we thought the pandemic would finish us off.
"It's an exciting time for the club and we'd like to thank those who have helped, including our local councillor Tommy McVey."
Mr McVey says he is 'delighted' to see work getting underway. The independent councillor said:
"The club is now in the final stretch of a long process and I am really pleased for them and the community.
"It's excellent that the club can be assured that the work will ensure their future in the community.
This article and image appeared in The Greenock Telegraph.