Howzat for a new pavilion?
Falkland Cricket Club apply for new state-of-the-art building
FALKLAND Cricket Club has submitted plans to demolish its current pavilion and replace it with a new two- storey state-of-the-art building.
The club says the existing pavilion at its main ground in Enborne Street, which was erected in 1974, is deteriorating and does not meet current cricket governing body inspections.
The new building, which will be sited between the present scoreboard and the existing pavilion, will include meeting rooms and offices and incorporate the Bowlers Arms pub.
The demolition of the pavilion will also allow the club to extend the existing car park.
Falkland Cricket Club says that the new pavilion – which it hopes will open in spring 2018 – will secure its long-term future by providing better facilities for players, including women and girls and the disabled.
The club currently has no female changing facilities, but the new pavilion will address this issue.
Falkland Cricket Club was established in 1884 and its current ground is believed to lie partially on the site of the battle of Newbury.
In the plans, the club says that all landowners are supportive of the proposals for a new pavilion.
The club owns 50 per cent of the freehold, 49 per cent is owned by the Berkshire Youth Cricket Development Trust and the remaining one per cent has been retained by the original owners of the land.
The club, which is managed by a volunteer committee, has 130 adult playing members, 69 junior boy and girl members and 51 vice presidents.
It is open seven days a week for cricket users and the general public.
The main ground at Enborne Street, with the existing pavilion, has parking for 50 cars, including disabled provision, two small changing rooms, toilets, bar and social area.
In a planning statement, the club says: “The design complies with ECB and Sport England standards and will also provide an excellent local pub and restaurant, with facilities for community groups and local societies to meet.”
The plans have been submitted to West Berkshire Council for consideration and will be decided at a later date.
