Work is set to start this summer on a new pavilion at one of the country’s most picturesque cricket grounds.
Raby Castle Cricket Club submitted plans for the new building late last year and they have now been passed by Durham County Council.
Speaking to the Mercury when the plans were first submitted, club secretary Steve Caygill said the opening date realistically might be the start of the 2027 Darlington and District League season.
And he has this week confirmed that if all goes well over the coming weeks, work will start in August.
In an official statement, a Raby Castle CC spokesman said: “The club is delighted to announce that we have received formal planning permission for our new pavilion. Kudos to Stephen Caygill for all his hard work in getting us to this stage. Spades in the ground at the end of the season.”
Situated on a site overlooked by the medieval castle, the venue is regarded as one of Britain’s most stunning cricket locations.
However, the club’s existing pavilion is over 40 years old and in need of replacement to meet ECB recommended standards for facilities. The application submitted included plans to demolish the outdated pavilion and build a replacement on the same site.
The new building will feature home and away dressing rooms, separate showers and toilets, as well as disabled facilities and a room for the umpires.
Cricket is thought to have been played at Raby since the 18th century and the cricket club was formed in 1886, with the pavilion built around 1980.
Raby Castle CC begin their 2026 Darlington and District League campaign tomorrow (Saturday) with a home fixture against Barton.
