GREAT BADDOW: £1.5m club house to benefit community

By pbaker

A LASTING legacy of the break-up of the Chelmsford Marconi empire has been revealed in the creation of a new £1.5million club for the entire community at Great Baddow.

The new building, to start construction this autumn, is part of a land deal to build 116 houses on the site by Bae Systems, which absorbed the former Marconi Radar company seven years ago in the wake of the collapsed Marconi Corporation.

With membership now open to the public Bae is to build the new centre alongside the traditional Beehive Lane site.

Bae has already shifted 11 acres of playing fields to West Hanningfield Road with a new clubhouse and modern changing facilities.

Marconi Club manager Veronica Reed this week released the first artist's impression of the new Beehive Lane club where membership will be £58 a year.

"Work should begin in the autumn and take about a year," she said.

"We get the new property for a peppercorn rent just like the facilities at West Hanningfield Road.

"But we become responsible for all the costs and upkeep once we take possession. In the meantime the old building will stay in use.

"When the new one is ready the old one makes way for the rest of the housing here."

The new club will be on two floors, including glazed wall squash courts, a ballroom with sprung floor and bar and meeting facilities.

Membership of the tennis club which now has six all weather courts costs a further £160 a year and gym membership £74 a year.

There is also a day-time only membership for £36 a year or £58 for couples, aimed at retired people who can take part in activities including carpet bowls.

"We still welcome new members," Veronica said.

"The original club was formed by the Marconi Company for employees, their families and associates.

"A condition of the new set up has been open membership. I think people will be very impressed by what we will have to offer.

"Bae Systems have been absolute gems in what they have done for the club."