A look inside Culcheth Sports Club's ambitious renovations

It's all change at the club - which has also recently chosen to change its name back to 'the Daten' - as it is undertaking one of the largest renovations in its 77-year history.

Dating back to 1946, the club was used during the Second World War to help foster community spirit, and was built by the UK Atomic Energy Authority as a space for its staff to have social events.

Work has begun re-panelling the walls, and changing the hall's curtains from red to black (Image: Newsquest)

It was later sold to the community of Culcheth, and there's a covenant on the building that states it must remain in the possession of the village community.

Now, new life is being breathed back into the sports club, and it is being taken in an exciting modern direction while staying true to its community roots.

The club's new committee has committed to restoring the club to its rightful place in the hearts of Culcheth residents.

The green space is a popular area for sports and leisure within the community (Image: Newsquest)

Part of the renovation project is to transform the club's grand hall - a large open space that has been used for a number of events in the past - into a premium events venue.

The committee hopes that it will be the best venue in Culcheth to host parties, events, awards ceremonies, and the like.

One large part of the Culcheth community - as of 2022 - is the Ukrainian Family Hub, and they have been using the Daten as the centre of their efforts.

A smaller function room in the Daten has been re-christened as 'the Sunflower Room' which will also be the site of a community kitchen, thanks to equipment that has been donated by IKEA.

The Sunflower Room is being transformed into a new community hub and kitchen (Image: Newsquest)

The project is currently well underway, and the committee hopes that the initial phase of renovations will be completed by the beginning of March.

One aspect of the Daten that is being eyed for extra attention is the area that was formerly known as the Tennis Rooms - this is due to be renamed as the Garden Room.

This room is used predominantly in the summer, when overlooking the tennis courts and the playing field, and the Daten's committee is hoping to unlock its potential by following in the footsteps of the tennis club, which has dutifully maintained the rooms for a number of years.

The Tennis Room will be transformed into a new space in the future (Image: Newsquest)

Another bold plan that the committee has is to potentially open up the Daten as a community warm hub, to help those who may need a social space to keep warm during a trying time.

Ultimately, it is hoped that the Daten's refurbishment will bring the club into the 21st century, and it will become a premium events venue, while staying true to the club's history.

The club has undergone a number of changes since the black-and-white photo was taken in 1958 (Image: Newsquest)

Part of that history will be displayed on the walls of the refurbished club, where it is planned that various snapshots of the club throughout its history will be in pride of place, lining the walls of the community sports club.

The Daten can be found on Charnock Road, Culcheth - for opening times, visit the club's social media pages.