SOLENT SOCIAL CLUB

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BACKGROUND.

Originally established as a traditional members' club, Solent Social Club has evolved into a vibrant community venue serving members and visitors across Lee-on-the-Solent. As a long-established CIU-affiliated social club, it plays an important role within the local community, hosting a wide range of activities and events, from live music and bingo to social gatherings and community functions.

 

As the club evolved, there was a growing need to modernise its facilities while preserving the welcoming character that members value. Working within a phased investment programme, the club appointed CIC to refurbish key areas of the venue, allowing improvements to be delivered over time while maintaining day-to-day operations.

 

Phase 1, completed in 2025, focused on transforming the club's concert room, creating a brighter and more contemporary space for entertainment and community events. Following the success of the initial works, CIC returned 13 months later to deliver Phase 2, refurbishing the main bar and adjoining snooker room to create a consistent look and feel throughout the venue.

KEY INFO.

Location: Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire

Client: Solent Social Club

Timescale: 6 weeks (across 2 phases)

Value: £146k

PROJECT IMAGES.

KEY RESULTS.

  • Modernise key areas across the social club
  • Create a brighter, more contemporary environment
  • Improve flexibility and functionality of the space
  • Maintain club operations throughout the refurbishment
  • Deliver a consistent design across all areas of the social club

KEY RESULTS.

  • Successfully completed a two-phase refurbishment programme delivered over 13 months
  • Modernised all key areas while retaining the club's character
  • Improved flexibility through revised seating layouts
  • Enhanced atmosphere through new finishes, lighting and furniture
  • Upgraded electrical and ceiling systems
  • Enabled the club to continue trading throughout the refurbishment
  • Delivered a cohesive design scheme across all refurbished areas of the club
  • Strengthened the club's appeal as a social and community venue

THE REFURBISHMENT.

Delivered across two phases over a 13-month period, the refurbishment programme was designed to modernise the club while retaining its identity as a valued community venue. The first phase transformed the concert room, introducing a refreshed design scheme that would later become the foundation for the wider refurbishment. Building on this success, CIC worked closely with the club to extend the design into the main bar and snooker room, creating a cohesive appearance throughout the venue.

 

Across both phases, the works included new fixed seating, replacement furniture, bespoke wall panelling, full redecoration, upgraded lighting and ceiling improvements. The panelling became a key feature of the scheme, helping to introduce texture, character and consistency across the different spaces while creating a more contemporary feel.

 

Existing features were retained and enhanced where possible, including the substantial timber bar, which was sanded and refinished rather than replaced. Additional improvements included bespoke joinery upgrades, revised seating layouts to improve flexibility and the creation of an illuminated trophy display within the snooker room.

 

As with many older buildings, unforeseen challenges emerged during the works. Existing fixed seating had been constructed in situ decades earlier, requiring additional infill repairs and modifications once removed. During final testing, CIC also identified historic electrical issues and worked alongside its local electrical contractor to rectify these safely before handover.

 

The refurbishment programme was delivered within a live operational environment. Careful planning and phased delivery enabled the club to continue trading throughout the works, minimising disruption to members while maintaining important revenue streams.

FUNCTION ROOM.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL.

From first contact with Jack at CIC to the completion of the refurbishment programme, it was a pleasure to have them do the work. CIC understood my needs and budget; any issues were highlighted early and resolved thanks to the excellent communication throughout the planning and the refurbishment work. I am looking forward to working with them again and would recommend CIC to any club/business.

Michael Cain Executive Officer & Club Secretary, Solent Social Club
Creative Interior Contracts
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