Purpose

To secure Portfolio Holder approval to allocate a capital contribution of £45,000 to Newark R&M Cricket Club to enable it to complete its changing room building to ensure that the Club can continue to offer cricket opportunities for the local community.

Decision

That the Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Performance and Finance approves:

a)      a Capital contribution of £45,000 to Newark R&M Cricket Club to enable the new changing facilities at the ground to be completed in order that the site can operate as a two-pitch facility in the future in accordance with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regulations and the Club’s Development Plans; and

b)      that the Council’s Capital Programme is increased by £45,000 financed by capital receipts.

Reasons for the decision

To enable Newark R&M Cricket Club to complete its changing room project in time for the start of the 2025 season in order to comply with England and Wales Cricket Board requirements and to allow the Club to continue to grow and develop.

Alternative options considered

During the last two years the Club has submitted a number of grant applications to various funding bodies with little success resulting in the new changing room building remaining  partially constructed and unusable.  If the Council is unable to support the Club with a grant to get the build completed the Club will struggle to meet ECB guidelines for the 2025 season based on the level of cricket played at the ground which requires separate changing rooms for each side playing.  The current club has two changing rooms in the original pavilion which does not meet the required standard of provision for a two-pitch site, however, if a capital contribution is awarded the club will be able to complete the build project in time for the new season. If the Council is not able to support the Club, the building will remain unfinished for a further year and potentially create challenges for competitive cricket at the site which is a risk the Club are keen to avoid.