A FEAST FOR THE EYES

In mid-April, the main contractor, Knight Harwood, handed over the East Wing as planned. Our project team will now manage any outstanding work and, more importantly, will be able to oversee the installation of the furniture in the Brasserie which began after Easter. We are on schedule to re-open the East Wing in time for Tennis Week and the Brasserie will fully open for business on Tuesday 1 July.

I recently had a very good meal in the Rose Court, which bodes well for the Brasserie. I also had a tour, with our Director of Masterplan Projects, Ruth Edwards, of the refurbished East Wing events space, the Brasserie and the updated kitchens.

The Broomhouse Room, Ranelagh Rooms and Palm Court are freshly redecorated and look good. Talking points for members may be the funky lighting and the geometric designs on the carpets – neither is bland. Bear in mind that the biggest spend internally within this area was on the essential but invisible update of audiovisual equipment, air-conditioning, and the consequent replacement of the ceilings in a 25-year-old building. The project also took advantage of an empty Events calendar to upgrade the insulation and finishes across the roof, increasing the thermal performance of the building with the intent to cut future energy bills and bring the access and maintenance systems up to current health and safety standards. Photovoltaic (solar) cells have also been installed which will feed into the site wide energy supply, providing clean energy to the Club.

The former Quadrangle and Napier Room have been transformed into a comfortable bar area and attractive restaurant. Entering through the newly-refurbished East lobby, the first sight will be a new feature table with the stump of a Cedar which once resided in the Grounds, at its base. With all the furniture and wall decoration yet to come, the dominant feature for now is the use of oak throughout, with lighting from above. The style is conservative and in keeping with the older parts of the Club. The outdoor terrace will provide al fresco dining. It has been designed in keeping with the Blueprint strategy for the whole estate, by respecting nature – introducing curved edges, loose planting in pots and a hedge to soften the façade of the building.

The first sight will be a new feature table with the stump of a Cedar which once resided in the Grounds, at its base

The Main Kitchen refurbishment was the third part of the building contract. This is not part of the Masterplan but for reasons of economy and efficiency, it was integrated into the project. The fridges have been brought in from the Four-in-Hand Yard, the dishwasher replaced, and the layout altered to improve efficiency and to reflect the new working patterns of a commissary kitchen.

Recent weeks have seen good progress with both the Broomhouse Lane Gate and the Cricket Pavilion. Following approval at the planning committee at the end of last year, the former is being developed in preparation for works to commence on site later in the year. Although only a few weeks in duration, the work will be quite disruptive for those who use the gate and thought is being given as to how to minimise any temporary inconvenience. New designs for the Cricket Pavilion, in a more conventional style, and only one storey high, have been prepared and helpful discussions have been held with the planners.

The Masterplan is now turning its focus increasingly to the North and West wings. Those of us who have witnessed the challenges which they have presented over the years should take comfort from the approach adopted by the North and West Wing Working Group. If I can sum it up, it is sensitive to the needs of users (both members and staff) and to costs. As a result, the designs are still evolving as, indeed, are the thoughts about timing and staging, and members will be kept updated.

DAVID PATERSON, CHAIR, MASTERPLAN AND OVERSIGHT GROUP