Funding boost for Quatt Cricket Club pavilion project

Quatt Cricket Club’s pavilion project has received a major boost after being awarded £40,000 under Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme (MTRP). 

This is being match funded and used to replace the club’s dilapidated 1938 pavilion with a modern, fit-for-purpose cricket pavilion and sustainable community asset for the benefit of members and the local community. 

The £250,000 building project started in October 2011 when the existing pavilion was demolished.  The timber frame for the pavilion has now been erected, and the building is due for completion in time for the 2012 playing season. 

When complete, the new facility will include a club room / lounge and bar area, a new fitted kitchen, office and store, umpires changing facilities, two large changing rooms which satisfy Sport England specifications, and a new garage / store for grounds equipment.  The club will also be connected to the village electricity supply as part of the scheme, having used a generator for many years. 

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the principal project funder, with the size of the capital grant reflecting Quatt’s sustained contribution to the development of women and girl’s cricket in Shropshire.  Additional funding has been provided by the Local Joint Committee (LJC) and the Howard Thompson Trust. 

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said:

“In these difficult economic times it is vital that we continue to support and invest in our market towns and rural communities.  I’m delighted that this funding has been awarded to Quatt Cricket Club.  I’m sure everyone will welcome the essential improvements to the pavilion which will firmly put the club at the heart of the community.”

Christian Lea, Chairman of the Bridgnorth, Worfield, Alveley and Claverley LJC, said:

“The £5,000 grant which Quatt Cricket Club received from the LJC to provide an electricity supply for the new cricket pavilion has made a huge difference to this village sports facility.  This, along with the other grant funding which Quatt Cricket Club has secured, will see a top class cricket pavilion completed in time for next year’s season.” 

Tina Woodward, Shropshire Councillor for Alveley and Claverley, said:

“I am delighted that the bid for funding to Shropshire Council’s Rural Challenge Fund has been successful.  The professionalism and dedication of the project team to deliver the new pavilion supported by the club members has, I believe, been recognised, as have the benefits this new facility will offer not only the present and future sportsmen and women of Quatt Cricket Club but also the local community as a whole.” 

Club members have done a significant amount of fundraising to get the project through detailed feasibility to the construction stage, and will have contributed in excess of £22,000 towards the scheme on completion in addition to their in-kind labour contribution. 

The £500,000 Rural Challenge Fund is part of Shropshire Council’s MTRP, which aims to regenerate and renew the economy, environment and social vitality of the county’s towns.