News

Sussex submit revised planning application

Sussex have submitted a revised application to the Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Department to modify the plans for the new South West Stand which is due for construction over the winter.

Cricinfo staff
28-Jul-2010
Sussex expect the bulk of their redevelopment plans to be completed by the beginning of the 2011 season  •  Getty Images

Sussex expect the bulk of their redevelopment plans to be completed by the beginning of the 2011 season  •  Getty Images

Sussex have submitted a revised application to the Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Department to modify the plans for the new South West Stand which is due for construction over the winter.
The revised plan reduces the stand from 2,400 seats to 1,700 and includes a new reception and club shop, improved toilet facilities, and additional food and beverage outlets. The new plan will also see the current Wilbury office block remain rather than be incorporated in to the larger version of the Stand.
With £2.5 million invested in the winter of 2009-10, the second phase of the county's redevelopments will see a further £5 million expenditure plan put into place. Sussex expect the pitch-facing stands, along with the pavilion refurbishment and indoor school extension, to be completed in time for the next year's season in April 2011.
"Over the summer, we have been continuing to challenge our master plan to ensure it remains the most appropriate development of the County Ground and very best value for money," said Dave Brooks, Sussex's chief executive. "During those discussions, it became apparent that integrating the offices into the footprint of the South West stand did not meet those expectations and a better solution could be delivered by modifying the planning application granted in late 2009.
"This is a very exciting time for the Club as this winter's activity will complete the ground development project which has been around for nearly twenty years now. We are most definitely on the right track and once the building works are completed Sussex CCC will have a genuine claim to having the best county cricket ground in the country, and one which will enable the club to continue to invest in all levels of cricket within the county to offer the very best opportunity for continued on-field success."
Sussex is just one of several counties with ambitious redevelopment projects on the go as they vie to secure the right to host international cricket from the ECB, who have laid down strict criteria that grounds have to fulfill in order to be considered.