Architect designed clubhouse to replace ‘not fit for purpose’ facilities

THAME cricketers can now look forward to having some of the very best facilities in the county, having received the news that Thame Town Cricket Club has planning approval to build a new clubhouse, nets and parking facilities.

The club, which currently has over 200 members, including juniors and females, has been based at the picturesque setting of Church Meadow in the heart of Thame, since 1975 when the ground and clubhouse were created from existing low grade agricultural land and derelict farm buildings.

Thame TCC’s First XI play in the Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division Two, having been undefeated champions of Cherwell League Division One, and being promoted in 2015. The ‘Firsts’ also won the Wilf Bennett T20 Trophy last season. The Club is recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board as one of four ‘Focus Clubs’ in South Oxfordshire by virtue of its standards, youth coaching programmes, Clubmark status and links with Lord Williams School.

Why are these new facilities needed?

“Now the clubhouse has out lived its useful lifespan,” explained Matt Swain, the Club’s Vice Chairman,”and whilst it has ‘lots of character’ is not fit for purpose to cater for three adult Saturday league teams, 94 juniors in five age group teams and a hugely popular Women’s section.”

The new clubhouse will meet ECB (English Cricket Board) technical specifications for new Pavilions and Clubhouses, and be designed in a way which is sympathetic to its beautiful surroundings next to the Grade I listed Church and Grade II listed Dovecote. Thame Hockey Club will share the building and use it during the Winter as their clubhouse, whilst still playing their matches at Thame Leisure Centre. Thame Netball club will also use the new facility.

Funding

Subject to finding the additional funding for the £800,000 project, and lease consents, the plan is to demolish the existing clubhouse and build the new one during the winter of 2017, ready for the start of the 2018 cricket season. The cricket club has already secured a grant of £120,00 from Thame Town Council, as well an additional £198,000 earmarked from the town council’s Sports Strategy (money raised through section 106 contributions from Developers). The club is in the process of applying for further funding from South Oxfordshire District Council and Sport England.

“The project has been well supported by Thame Town Council,” continued Matt, “and the next steps for the club will be to raise the remaining £480,000 to be able to complete the development.

“We are delighted with the positive response from SODC and can’t thank Thame Town Council and Ben Holland, of Thame Architects, Holland & Green, enough for supporting us to get this project off the ground. It will make a huge difference, not just to the members of the Cricket, Hockey and Netball clubs but to the broader community of Thame, who will be able to enjoy the facility in the heart of town at one of the most idyllic settings that Oxfordshire has to offer.

Aspirations

“We are a charitable organisation run by volunteers who have the club’s best interest at heart in everything we do. We have worked really hard over the last few years to develop the club and make it something that more and more people can enjoy. The new clubhouse is part of our broader aspirations to become one of the best clubs in Oxfordshire which will help provide sustainability for many years to come.”

See for yourself!

You can see artist’s impressions and special 3D video of the proposed new design by Ben Holland, here: LINK