PLANS for an improved cricket facility in inner city Bradford will make the sport “more accessible to a wider audience” – according to a new planning application.
Ten covered, all weather cricket nets would be created at Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Ground if the new proposals submitted by Total Play Ltd are approved.
The application says the 42 metre by 42 metre structure at the Horton Park Avenue site would allow people to practice cricket throughout the year, and ensure there will be no more “rain stops play” moments.
One of the oldest cricket grounds in Bradford, the sport has been played on the Park Avenue site since the 1870s.
In recent years there have been plans to greatly expand the use of the site – which is on the doorstep of Horton Park.
Submitted to Bradford Council this week, the application will see existing nets at the site refurbished and covered with a “cricket shield.”
It says the new facility will “provide protection from wet and windy conditions, whilst encouraging airflow and maintaining a comfortable temperature “The proposals represent a light touch to the site and would be entirely complementary to the existing facility.”
It would also have lighting to allow evening training.
The cricket grounds is currently home to the pitch, pavilion, a gym and the existing nets.
But the planning application says creating the new covered nets would mean the facility could be used by more people, throughout the year.
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The lanes would also be fully resurfaced with artificial grass, and the lighting means the nets could be used until 10pm in winter.
Explaining the importance of the upgrade, the application says: “The facility will be open to all members of the public offering the opportunity to practice and play cricket throughout the year.
“A facility such as this strongly supports the England Cricket Board’s aim of enabling wider access to the game.
“A facility such as that which is proposed here will make cricket more accessible to a wider audience and throughout the year.
“This will support the development of the game both at grassroots and give people the opportunity to engage with cricket more often.”
The application adds: “The facility will be controlled and managed on the same terms as the Bradford Park Avenue Cricket facility and will be open from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week.”
A decision on the application is expected by the end of the year.
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