The three levels of government have joined up to help build a clubhouse at Graves Oakley Field in Spryfield for the Halifax Tars Rugby Club and other athletes and community groups.

The federal government  announced it is chipping $420,000 into the rugby clubhouse that will feature fully accessible change rooms, a viewing deck as well as meeting and banquet facilities.

“Once it’s completed, local rugby teams will have a modern clubhouse near the field to get ready for games and practices, fans will enjoy the balcony to cheer on their favourite teams,” said Halifax MP Andy Fillmore during the announcement. “It’s such an important piece of infrastructure for the community.”

The province contributed an additional $315,000 with Halifax Regional Municipality matching that investment for the project through the Halifax Tars Rugby Club.

“Teams can come here, train, practice and have a meal afterwords,” said Dr. John Gillis, Chairman of the Halifax Tars Rugby Club. “And we can have community events here.”

MLA for Halifax Atlantic, Brendan Maguire agreed with Gillis, saying that the two-storey, 5,200 square foot clubhouse isn’t just for the athletes.

“It’s for the entire community and so, to me, the idea is … to really expand on it and eventually build a much bigger facility and have it for everything,” said Maguire.

The clubhouse will accommodate events such as weddings, in addition to various sports events. 

The infrastructure project will go to tender later this month, and authorities hope that the project will be finished by September of 2021.