An architects' impression of the proposed new pavilion on Thorverton's ground<br>credit: DMA Architects

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

FUND-raising work will be stepped-up in the New Year to pay for Thorverton CC’s new half-a-million-pound pavilion.

The mid-Devon club’s current pavilion is simply too small for modern-day uses, which include separate dressing rooms for female cricketers, improved changing areas for umpires and an expanded social space.

The old pavilion was constructed in 1963 and re-sited where it is now in 1972 when the club moved from an adjoining field.

Blueprints drawn-up by Exeter-based DMA Architects show a 220 square-metre floor area with an additional 30 square-metre terrace at the front of the pavilion for spectators. Improved access for the disabled is also part of the draft plan.A plan view showing the location of the planned new pavilion at Thorverton and the re-aligned playing square

Jack Choules, the first-team skipper at Thorverton, said now planning problems had been overcome, the fund-raising can really get under way.

“The planning application went in to Mid-Devon District Council in May, but has only just been granted,” said Choules.

“Our application took longer than expected, due largely to comments raised by the Environment Agency as our site falls in a flood-risk area.

“There are a number of planning conditions required to be discharged which the team will now work through.

“The main focus of attention now falls to fund-raising. We aim to significantly step-up our fund-raising efforts with ambitions for a fund-raising committee and for all areas of the club to run their own fundraising events.”

Now consent has been granted for the new pavilion, the clock is ticking to raise the money needed to turn the dream into reality.

“We have to start work within three years of getting planning permission, otherwise we might have to go through the process again,” said Choules.

“As well as our own efforts we have started identifying grant sources that could help.”

The plans drawn-up all comply with ECB size specifications, which are essential to gaining central grants.

When work does get started, the new pavilion will be sited alongside where the existing one is, not on the same footprint.Thorverton CC's ageing pavilion, which has served the club well since 1963

“By moving the pavilion we can improve access and prevent cars having to drive behind the building to park,” said Choules.

“Also, we are looking at re-aligning our square at the same time so the setting sun no longer shines in batsmen’s eyes behind the bowler’s arm."

Choules said the club owed a debt of thanks to numerous consultants and the project architects for getting the planning process completed.

“Thanks also to planning officers at Mid-Devon District Council for a proactive and pragmatic approach to dealing with the application,” Choules added.