Archery club secures survival after new outdoor and indoor ranges approved

Rochdale Company of Archers

A sports club which feared they may have nowhere to call home in 2025 will survive after getting approval to build a new site.

The Rochdale Company of Archers (RCA) has been in operation since 1954 but faced an uncertain future when they were informed by Rochdale Rugby Club their lease would be allowed to expire in 2025 – leaving them without a range. The rugby club’s reason for this was to expand their own sporting provisions at the Moorgate Avenue site.

The archery club was left with the task of finding a new home knowing they will lose both their indoor and outdoor ranges.

Now there is excitement now their future is secure with planning permission approved for a new outdoor and indoor archery facility at Ashworth Valley Scout Campsite.

This was seen as an ideal location by the club as it is close to the previous venue – meaning they can maintain their growing junior membership and squad members who compete at regional and national level.

The development would see the construction of a building measuring 67.06m in length, 14m wide, 6.48m high – for indoor archery as well as an outdoor facility. A new car park for 20 vehicles as well as 130 solar panels for the roof of the new building are also included in the plans.

The solar panels form part of the bid to make the site eco-friendly alongside underfloor heating, high tier insulation as well as a new woodland around the building. This is a bid from the club to make the site more sustainable and low cost for members.

This land picked for transformation was formerly occupied by the base for the Scouting organisation to train Scout Leaders. The site has since been demolished.

Ashworth Valley Scout Campsite are joint applicants and will also benefit from the proposals. Although the Ashworth Road site is on green belt land, the benefit meets the ‘very special circumstances’ required for development, according to planning officers.

A spokesperson for the archery club said: “RCA is extremely delighted to announce it has acquired its own outdoor shooting field and planning permission to build a new range – eight bosses (targets) wide, and up to 40m in indoor shooting distance. The club wishes to thank all members, the committee, and especially Andrew Rothwell, Andrew Taylor and Garry Partington for their efforts in making this possible.

“This is a momentous occasion for RCA – a 70 year old archery club. Straight and True. Exciting times ahead!”

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter