WORK could begin this month on a £200,000 scheme to transform facilities at Raby Castle Cricket Club, in Staindrop, after planning permission was granted by Durham County Council.
The club aims to modernise its outdated 43-year-old timber pavilion, build a new storage shed for ground equipment and an install new all-weather practice facilities.
As well as applying for grants, the club also raised more than £15,000 through an online Crowdfunder appeal to get the scheme off the ground.
The club is based in the grounds of Raby Castle and plays in the Darlington and District Cricket League.
It also boasts a thriving junior section.
Secretary Steve Caygill said gaining planning permission for the revamp was the culmination of years of hard work involving the club, Teesdale Action Partnership and Raby Estate.
“We believe this decision is critical and it will futureproof the club for many years to come,” he said.
“Extending the pavilion will enable us to provide better changing and other facilities for our own and visiting players.
“There is also a dedicated female changing room that reflects the increasing participation of female players in junior and open age cricket,” he added.
Renovation of the social area and the provision of an electricity supply will make the pavilion a more pleasant place for supporters and others visiting the club.
Mr Caygill added: “As part of the development work associated with the estate’s The Rising project we had to vacate our facilities in the Raff Yard for our large items of ground maintenance equipment such as the tractor, roller and ride-on mower, so the provision of new storage facilities will be vital to keep them in tip top condition.
“We are also providing dedicated changing facilities in the storage shed for officials.”
He said new two-lane all-weather practice nets will allow sessions to continue when rain would otherwise interrupt coaching and training.
“We firmly believe this will help increase the attractiveness of the club to prospective senior and junior players.”
While some funding is in place, the club continues to seek grants to cover the cost of the whole project, with work planned in phases, beginning with the pavilion.
Tenders for this were issued in December and a contractor is due to be appointed this week – and work could begin from Monday, January 8.
The 14-week contract could see the new-look pavilion completed in time for the start of the new season in April.
