Ilkley Rugby Club’s bid to raise £1 million-plus for a new clubhouse is in line for a £343,000 boost from a national organisation.

Sport England this week confirmed that it has offered the funding towards the club’s plan to build a community clubhouse, replacing its ageing stand and clubhouse on Stacks Field.

As well as bringing club facilities up to 21st century expectations, the club plans to offer them for the use of the wider community.

The 600-strong rugby club boasts several teams, including junior and women’s sides, and has already raised more than half of the projected £1.4million needed itself, recently hitting the £825,000 mark. It aims to raise £850,000 in total itself towards the project.

Bradford Council granted planning permission to the club for the development at the ground, on Denton Road, earlier thus year, after previous designs for a more ambitious development were abandoned due to economic reasons.

It is understood that the Sport England deal is yet to be finalised, and there are conditions attached to the offer. The organisation was unable to comment on the award until details are finalised.

Ilkley RFC secretary, Ken Bernard, said: “It’s good news that they’re going to make us an offer, we’re very pleased about that.”

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has also been in talks with the Ilkley club. The club hopes to secure a further £200,000 in the form of a grant and loan from them.

It is also hoped the total sum will be reached with the help of £50,000 from Bradford Council, and up to £40,000 from Ilkley Parish Council.

The parish council has already ring-fenced a £20,000 award towards the scheme, which it feels will benefit the community at large. Supporters of the clubhouse development are also confident that parish councillors will look favourably on giving a second £20,000 award to the scheme.

The initial timescale forecasts work beginning in August, with the completion of the clubhouse scheduled for the end of May, 2011. More information on the club, and details of how to contribute to the development fund, can be found at the club’s website, www. ilkleyrfc.co.uk