Green light for plans to secure County Ground’s future in Hove

Plans to enhance and invest in The 1st Central County Ground - Sussex Cricket’s home in Hove - were today given approval by Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee.

“The County Ground has been based in Hove for nearly 150 years and we are thrilled that this allows us to secure our future here and to continue to deliver our wide-reaching community programmes across Sussex,” said Sussex Cricket chief executive, Rob Andrew.

“We want to thank our club members, neighbours, local businesses, amenity and conservation groups as well as the South East Design Panel and council officers for their important input on our plans.”

Sussex Cricket commissioned award-winning local firm ECE Architecture to create the plans, which are estimated to attract £20 million capital investment and create 153 jobs.

Phase 1 includes replacing buildings on the south west corner of the ground facing onto Eaton Road, including The Sussex Cricketer pub, with 37 quality apartments and a pub with sun terrace in an eco-friendly landmark building which includes flexible commercial space.

A much more visible and attractive entrance to the ground is proposed, reinstating historical features such as the old Tate Gates and introducing a new clock tower. In response to public feedback, the traditional village green feel of the club is to be maintained through white picket fencing, grassy areas and planting trees and shrubs.

Phase 2 includes replacing the existing club offices and the lowest capacity section of the Jointing Tech South West Stand with a purpose built five-star conferencing facility for match day hospitality and all-year event hire, built over two storeys and including a roof terrace.

Phase 3 incorporates enhanced stands of permanent seating, which have been kept low so that impact on overlooking neighbours is minimally impacted, along with improved refreshment facilities and toilets. 

In response to requests from regular cricket fans, the north west and north east corners will be lined with artificial grass for people to continue to be able to enjoy the afternoon sun on deckchairs.

Phase 4 proposes replacing the existing non-permanent hospitality buildings with more permanent seating, again kept low to minimise impact on neighbours.

The plans can be seen at www.sussexcricket.co.uk.

Sussex Cricket supports 200 community cricket clubs and 340 league teams across Sussex, the facilities at Blackstone Academy Ground sponsored by Hurstpierpoint College, a centre for women and girls cricket at the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy and community activity bringing cricket to people of all abilities in the county.