East Glos invests in major facilities upgrade

By Julian Wellings and Darren Morris

East Glos Club has undergone a £110,000 refurbishment of its squash and changing room facilities.

Nathan, Dan and Darren

L-R: Squash Pro Nathan Lake, Dan Heaton (ampm247), Club Manager Darren Morris

The decision was taken to undertake the refurbishments while the club was closed due to lockdown and to minimise disruption to members while enabling contractors to work safely.

The squash courts area was dated, dark and dingy, having been built in the 1970s. This area has been transformed into a vibrant, fresh, opened-up space. It includes a new warm-up area gym equipment. When restrictions are eased, the club will be able to host large tournaments, including the County Championships and pro-am events.

Cheltenham’s Nathan Lake, who is ranked 46 in the world, said, “I’m incredibly excited to return to East Glos now we are allowed back on squash courts. The work they have carried out through lockdown has been fantastic and has turned the club into a genuinely top-quality squash facility.

“The installation of the moveable tins on courts 3 and 4 will allow me to train on the exact conditions I will be competing in around the world and help me attract high-quality sparring partners to the club. The construction work has opened up the area behind the courts to make it a far more inviting environment for all”.

Nathan Lake

Squash pro Nathan Lake next to the new moveable tin

While closed the club has also been able to fully refurbish its toilets and changing rooms to provide a more modern, clean, and stylish look, as well as renovating the kitchen and lounge areas to bring about an improved member and visitor experience.

Dan with Darren in new changing rooms

Stylish new lockers in the men’s changing room. Dan Heaton (ampm247) with Club Manager Darren Morris (R)

The works were carried out by Cheltenham-based ampm247. They were selected not only for their competitive tender but also for the high-quality workmanship delivered for the club on previous projects.

Club Manager Darren Morris said, “As a result of these refurbishments East Glos can now showcase squash to the local grassroots community and also attract regional and national recognition by hosting tournaments and attracting professional players to train.”

Dan Heaton, director of ampm247 said, “It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a prestigious refurbishment project of this nature. East Glos must be commended for committing to such a high level of investment in helping to achieve their vision, particularly given the current climate.

“Given my personal passion for squash, I have thoroughly enjoyed the involvement ampm has had in the project and it was an easy fit for us to take on the work given our shared core values and links with the club.

“Although it has been a very challenging time for all involved in delivering the project during this period, I would like to thank the ampm team and all our subcontractors as well as Darren and his team at East Glos in getting us over the line. It is fantastic to see the club upgrading its facilities and opening up the squash section ready for future enjoyment. I can’t wait to get back playing at the club!”