Chairman's Update
Clubhouse redevelopment plans
Dear Ladies
I hope you are all having an enjoyable summer.
Things have been progressing with the redevelopment plans for the St Rule Club so I just wanted to update you on current status.
Phase 1- Installation of lift and associated works including accessible toilets
The planning application and building warrants have recently been submitted to Fife Council. We are working with a Quantity Surveyor to detail the exact works required which will then allow us to seek 3 quotes from construction companies. Subject to planning approval, our current estimate for starting the work is November 2025, with completion by April 2026. We anticipate that the Club will remain fully operational during the works, but please be aware there may be some noise or other disturbances during this time.
The funding for this Phase 1, as agreed at the last AGM, will come from our investments (maximum of £100,000), member donations and fundraising events. The current estimate for this phase including VAT and fees is £150,000.
Phase 2 Redevelopment plans
For those of you who attended the AGM, you will recall that I explained that the Club had been running at a loss for the past 3 years. This is obviously not tenable and we must find ways to raise income without substantial increases in subscription and entrance fees.
We have been considering how we can generate income from the top two floors of the Club whilst still making some of this space available to our members. The most viable option is to develop the second floor as a large, multi-use open space which our Club can use most of the time for activities such as Mahjong, Bridge, Arts and Crafts and talks. The new lift will enable easy access to the second floor so we can also hire this out for functions and events, including The Open in 2027, which will generate significant income to replace the existing income from the R&A office lease (terminating in June 2026).
To ensure we maximise our available space for our members at times of high demand, we are also proposing to renovate the existing Golf Room. We plan to develop a Heritage Lounge that displays our trophies and boards and other memorabilia, and includes comfortable sofas and chairs to enjoy our magnificent views over tea, coffee or drinks.
For the third floor, we have considered both continuing to rent this out as office space, and we have looked at conversion into three bedrooms self contained. Again, our new lift completed in Phase 1 will give easy access to this space. The most attractive option financially would be to convert the top floor into a self-contained three bedrooms; one at the front with wonderful views, and two at the back, all with en-suite facilities. These bedrooms would be available to our members, their family and friends and affiliated clubs to rent. This model has been very successful in bringing significant income for our neighbours on the Links at The New Club. It is estimated that these bedrooms could generate a revenue in excess of £100,000 per year. It is estimated that it would cost in the region £250,000 to convert, including upgraded fire and sprinkler systems. We have also looked at converting the basement to a self contained flat at an approximate cost £150,000 but this would only generate a potential revenue in the region of £30,000 to £40,000. Before any decision is made on whether to convert the 3rd floor or the basement the membership will be consulted.
Therefore, we are looking at our Phase 2 redevelopment in two parts:
· Phase 2A will be the second floor renovation and the development of the Heritage Lounge; and
· Phase 2B will cover the development of the bedrooms on the third floor or basement flat.
We are currently finalising cost estimates for Phases 2A and 2B as well as ways of funding them, with a view to at least Phase 2A (and hopefully more!) being completed before The Open in 2027.
Member Donations and fundraising
We have already raised over £47,000 from members very kind donations and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed thus far. We are also aware that not everyone is in a position to donate, however, you may have ideas for fundraising events which we would appreciate. If you do have a fundraising idea in mind please contact Emma Cochrane who is coordinating all fundraising activities to avoid duplication.
It is amazing how small amounts can make a big difference, for example if every member gave £100 that would raise £50,000
Donations can be made anonymously. Please be assured that any money donated is ring fenced purely for the redevelopment of the Club.
I hope this update is helpful and as always if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. We intend to arrange an Open afternoon to explain and discuss these projects, date to be notified.
Jacqui Trangmar
Chairman
The St Rule Club
I hope you are all having an enjoyable summer.
Things have been progressing with the redevelopment plans for the St Rule Club so I just wanted to update you on current status.
Phase 1- Installation of lift and associated works including accessible toilets
The planning application and building warrants have recently been submitted to Fife Council. We are working with a Quantity Surveyor to detail the exact works required which will then allow us to seek 3 quotes from construction companies. Subject to planning approval, our current estimate for starting the work is November 2025, with completion by April 2026. We anticipate that the Club will remain fully operational during the works, but please be aware there may be some noise or other disturbances during this time.
The funding for this Phase 1, as agreed at the last AGM, will come from our investments (maximum of £100,000), member donations and fundraising events. The current estimate for this phase including VAT and fees is £150,000.
Phase 2 Redevelopment plans
For those of you who attended the AGM, you will recall that I explained that the Club had been running at a loss for the past 3 years. This is obviously not tenable and we must find ways to raise income without substantial increases in subscription and entrance fees.
We have been considering how we can generate income from the top two floors of the Club whilst still making some of this space available to our members. The most viable option is to develop the second floor as a large, multi-use open space which our Club can use most of the time for activities such as Mahjong, Bridge, Arts and Crafts and talks. The new lift will enable easy access to the second floor so we can also hire this out for functions and events, including The Open in 2027, which will generate significant income to replace the existing income from the R&A office lease (terminating in June 2026).
To ensure we maximise our available space for our members at times of high demand, we are also proposing to renovate the existing Golf Room. We plan to develop a Heritage Lounge that displays our trophies and boards and other memorabilia, and includes comfortable sofas and chairs to enjoy our magnificent views over tea, coffee or drinks.
For the third floor, we have considered both continuing to rent this out as office space, and we have looked at conversion into three bedrooms self contained. Again, our new lift completed in Phase 1 will give easy access to this space. The most attractive option financially would be to convert the top floor into a self-contained three bedrooms; one at the front with wonderful views, and two at the back, all with en-suite facilities. These bedrooms would be available to our members, their family and friends and affiliated clubs to rent. This model has been very successful in bringing significant income for our neighbours on the Links at The New Club. It is estimated that these bedrooms could generate a revenue in excess of £100,000 per year. It is estimated that it would cost in the region £250,000 to convert, including upgraded fire and sprinkler systems. We have also looked at converting the basement to a self contained flat at an approximate cost £150,000 but this would only generate a potential revenue in the region of £30,000 to £40,000. Before any decision is made on whether to convert the 3rd floor or the basement the membership will be consulted.
Therefore, we are looking at our Phase 2 redevelopment in two parts:
· Phase 2A will be the second floor renovation and the development of the Heritage Lounge; and
· Phase 2B will cover the development of the bedrooms on the third floor or basement flat.
We are currently finalising cost estimates for Phases 2A and 2B as well as ways of funding them, with a view to at least Phase 2A (and hopefully more!) being completed before The Open in 2027.
Member Donations and fundraising
We have already raised over £47,000 from members very kind donations and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed thus far. We are also aware that not everyone is in a position to donate, however, you may have ideas for fundraising events which we would appreciate. If you do have a fundraising idea in mind please contact Emma Cochrane who is coordinating all fundraising activities to avoid duplication.
It is amazing how small amounts can make a big difference, for example if every member gave £100 that would raise £50,000
Donations can be made anonymously. Please be assured that any money donated is ring fenced purely for the redevelopment of the Club.
I hope this update is helpful and as always if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. We intend to arrange an Open afternoon to explain and discuss these projects, date to be notified.
Jacqui Trangmar
Chairman
The St Rule Club