Decision Maker: Head of Community Services

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 28, 2024

Purpose: To install three new Artificial Cricket Wickets and a two-lane Practice Net Facility at the following cricket sites: • A new Artificial Cricket Wicket in Cherry Lane Playing Fields to be used by Eagles Cricket Club under a Temporary License Agreement • A new Artificial Cricket Wicket and two-Lane Practice Net facility in Gainsborough Road Playing Fields to be used by Tilgate Cricket Club under a Temporary License Agreement • A new Artificial Cricket Wicket in West Green Park to be managed by the Local Authority and used by local cricket clubs via a booking system England Cricket Board and Sussex Cricket have identified a £53,635 funding package to be used to improve cricket facilities in the borough. The council entered into a Strategic Grants Funding Agreement with England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) in January 2024 to install non-turf pitches (x3) and a non-turf practice facility located across three sites, with the obligation to maintain and repair facilities for a period of 5 years. In February 2024, a procurement exemption form was approved due to the specialised nature which only a limited number of suppliers can meet, with the works to then be procured and managed by the council. A contractor was appointed to carry out the work in stages between June 2024 and May 2025. Cherry Lane Playing Fields Temporary License Agreement: Eagles Cricket Club to initially enter into a 3-year Temporary Licence permitting use for the playing of cricket by the licensee, designated hours between midday and 7:30pm on Saturdays; up to 18 games per year. The council will benefit from a licence fee of £799.47 per annum. Additional fees and charges will apply for ad-hoc bookings up to maximum of 12 additional games and or training sessions per year. The licensee is obligated to maintain the Artificial Wicket in line with the England Cricket Board maintenance schedules for the duration of the Licence Period. Gainsborough Road Playing Fields Temporary License Agreement: Tilgate Cricket Club to initially enter into a 3-year Temporary Licence permitting use for the playing of cricket by the licensee, designated hours between midday and 7:30pm on Saturdays; up to 18 games per year on the artificial wicket. In addition, the licensee is permitted to use the two-lane net facility at times agreed in advance by the council, when the two-lane net facility is not being used by the Licensee, it should be made available to the Licensor on prior agreement between the parties. The council will benefit from a licence fee of £1,598.94 per annum, increasing to £2,398 per annum in year 2 for the remaining Licence Period. Additional fees and charges will apply for ad-hoc bookings up to maximum of 12 additional games and or training sessions per year. The licensee is obligated to maintain both the Artificial Wicket and Two-Lane Net Facility in line with the England Cricket Board maintenance schedules for the duration of the Licence Period. The enhanced cricket facilities installed across the three sites will provide improved sporting facilities and increase cricket provision within the borough given the high levels of demand and current and future lack of capacity to meet these needs as recommended within our local Playing Pitch Strategy (2020)

Content: To grant permission to enter into a Strategic Grants Funding Agreement with England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT), to approve the allocation of the new facilities at the three cricket sites listed, and to approve an initial 3-year temporary licence agreement with both Eagles and Tilgate Cricket Clubs. This decision has been taken by the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing.

Alternative options considered: Not installing three new artificial wickets and a 2-lane net facility would result in the ongoing displacement of home games being played outside of Crawley due to a lack of high-quality facilities within the borough, and the inability for clubs to grow memberships to meet current and future demand. It would also result in a loss of income to the council of £2,398.41 per annum, increasing to £3,197.47 per annum in year 2 for the remaining Licence Period.