ANDOVER Bowling Club, a fixture in the community since 1913, has revealed plans for major clubhouse expansion to better serve its growing membership.

Located in the northeast corner of Vigo Park, the club’s current facility has become too small to accommodate its more than 100 members.

The existing clubhouse, which can seat around 50 people, is no longer sufficient for the club’s needs.

The original clubhouse, a modest timber-framed building, was expanded in the 1970s-80s with flat-roofed extensions to add more space, including changing rooms, toilet facilities and a small bar.

READ MORE: The history of Andover's bowling green

While the kitchen and other facilities have been upgraded in recent years, the club said it now requires a more substantial expansion to meet the demands of its members.

The proposed extension will enlarge the clubhouse by extending the building 3.1 meters to the west and south, forming an ‘L’-shaped addition.

The western extension will cover about half of the existing west elevation, while the southern extension will run the entire length of the south elevation and fill in the recessed entrance area. A flat-roofed canopy will cover the new entrance door.

The exterior of the new extension will match the existing structure, with shiplap cladding stained to the same colour.

The expanded clubhouse will feature several key improvements, including a new entrance lobby, a fully compliant disabled toilet, an enlarged kitchen and bar, and an expanded main hall capable of seating 70-80 members.

According to the plan, the extension will include ramped and stepped access to meet current building regulations.

The new construction will be seamlessly integrated with the existing building, both inside and out, with insulated timber walls, floors, and roof.

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In preparation for the expansion, Andover Bowling Club invited neighbours to view the proposed plans on February 25. The club said the feedback from the event was positive, with no objections recorded in the visitors' book.

The extension will slightly reduce parking to the west of the clubhouse.

However, to offset this, an existing sectional garage will be demolished, creating additional parking.