Revamped Cricket Pavilion At Woodbridge Road Sports Ground Is Officially Open

Published on: 9 May, 2018
Updated on: 9 May, 2018

The newly restored cricket pavilion at the sports ground in Woodbridge Road has been officially opened by outgoing Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning.

Pictured from left: Robert Charles, the chairman of Guildford Cricket Club; the outgoing Mayor of Guildford, Nigel Manning; David Watts, president of Guildford Cricket Club; and Richard Gould, the chief executive of Surrey County Cricket Club.

Built in 1938, it has largely been rebuilt and extended too. The council reports it has cost of £1.9M with Surrey County Cricket Club contributing £250,000, Guildford Cricket Club contributing £50,000, with the remainder of the funding from Guildford Borough Council. It includes two new changing rooms, umpires room, physio room, new toilets, increased space for community uses, a larger balcony, as well as the installation of a lift and other improvements to accessibility at the site.

Guildford Borough Council maintains the grounds and the pavilion which is used by the two cricket clubs.

Cllr Richard Billington, lead councillor for rural economy, countryside, parks and leisure, said: “The project has modernised the site and make it accessible to all, creating a self-sustaining sports and community hub with a wide range of uses.

“We are the sole trustee of the site and would like to thank Surrey County Cricket Club and Guildford Cricket Club for their significant contributions to this redevelopment.”

The revamped pavilion. Picture: Guildford Cricket Club.

Richard Gould, chief executive of Surrey County Cricket Club, added: “We’re really pleased to have partnered with Guildford Borough Council to create a brand new facility for Surrey and Guildford crickets clubs and the people of Guildford.

“The location is ideal, right in the town and we want to see both the pavilion and ground used as much as possible. This is going to breathe new life into a historic ground and offer so much else with it.”

Robert Charles, chairman of Guildford Cricket Club, said: “Players and members of Guildford Cricket Club are delighted to be returning to our refurbished home. We hope it will be a great attraction for current and new members alike and will serve the community well as a venue to watch and play.”

The land has been the base for Guildford Cricket Club for over 75 years and also serves as a second home to Surrey County Cricket Club.

The outgoing mayor opened the pavilion on May 5 when Guildford Cricket Club played its first league game of the 2018 season.