Downpatrick were delivered some disappointing news this week in our pursuit of securing our own ground, but club officials are defiant the club will continue as normal, click on the link to read more…
After a lengthy period of not getting any feedback club representatives were invited to meet Social Investment Fund (SIF) officials on Monday 11/02/19, at which we were told that our Racecourse 3G pitch and changing facilities project had failed to pass their economic appraisal process and that consequently SIF has rejected our application for financial support.
We await a formal letter confirming the detailed reasons for their decision but it seems like that while the need and business case were demonstrated the estimated £2.5M+ costs involved – which were substantially higher than the original estimate due to some £1.5M for extras due to unforeseen poor ground conditions – meant it failed to meet their value for money threshold.
Even though it was not unexpected, SIF’s decision after so much time and effort by so many people is still a major disappointment. However the club remains totally committed to getting new high quality facilities in the town to meet the needs of the local football community and will now be looking urgently at how best to do this.
On behalf of the club we would like to assure you that while this is on-going, the football club will continue to provide all our members with the opportunity to participate in football and will keep you updated on progress to find and to build a long term home for the club.
And finally we would like to thank Council Officials, local political representatives, Downpatrick Racecourse, club sponsors and benefactors for their support and encouragement in helping the club take forward this project over the last number years.
