NEW PLANS FOR FIRE-WRECKED CRICKET CLUBHOUSE
Planning permission has finally been given for the building of temporary facilities at Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club following the devastating fire which destroyed the clubhouse last September, it was revealed today.
The green light was given three months after the Club made its first approach to Richmond Council and the temporary structures will include four portakabins providing changing rooms, a kitchen and a toilet block.
The plan was approved after discussions with the Club’s own members and with Harlequins Amateurs RFC, which also uses the grounds. Electricity and plumbing will be installed as required and a semi-permanent marquee will provide a makeshift ‘Club Room.’
As part of the plans we also need to erect fencing around all of the facilities. This is for security purposes and also to protect the facilities from potential damage from the deer and vice-versa.
The Club describes the cost of the facilities as “eye-wateringly expensive and could run to six-figures.”
Chair, Sam Kemp told Teddington Town: “Ideally this will be funded from our Business Interruption insurance cover; however, this is not yet finalised with our insurers.
“We have purchased the portakabins and hope to recover some of the cost by reselling them when we are finished with them. Our plans for the rebuild of the main pavilion mean that the temporary facilities will be in place for all users of the cricket club probably until the end of 2025.”
If everything goes according to plan the facilities will be fully operational later this month.
In relation to to the rebuilding of the main fire-ravaged pavilion itself, a full and final planning application was submitted to Richmond Council in late May.
The application was accompanied by almost 15 consultant reports that were required to support it. These reports cover everything from Arboricultural Surveys to Topographical Surveys, to Archaeological Research & Reports and Transport Statements.
Sam Kemp added: “It’s a huge undertaking. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to get planning approved for a new building on a new site! With any luck we will receive planning permission in a few months’ time.
“Our biggest concern is still money. As a result of steep inflation of buildings materials costs and labour in recent years, the insurance proceeds will not cover the full cost of the planned rebuild.
“We have a team dedicated to fundraising. They are now applying for funding from large organisations like the National Lottery, London Marathon and the Council’s own Community Investment Levy fund. However, it’s a competitive process and we need all the help we can get.
