Masterplan revealed for future of Sussex Cricket

Architect’s sketch of redeveloped main entrance at The 1st Central County Ground

Sussex Cricket has commissioned local firm ECE Architecture to create a masterplan for the future of The 1st Central County Ground in Hove, which has been located at Eaton Road since 1872, and is inviting local people to share their views.

Likely to be phased over five to seven years, proposals include redevelopment of the south west corner of the site on Eaton Road, improving the main entrance to make it both more visible and more accessible.

“Our goal is to make our club sustainable as an organisation and to effectively support our fantastic work across the whole of Sussex’s cricketing community for the long-term,” said Rob Andrew, CEO of Sussex Cricket.

“Our proposed Phase 1 redevelopment of the south west of the Ground will provide us with the funds necessary to invest in the further ground improvements we need to ensure our future here in the heart of Hove. We have been here nearly 150 years and hope to remain here for another 150!”

The proposed Phase 1 development will include replacing several buildings facing onto Eaton Road, including The Sussex Cricketer, with a new community bar and restaurant, approximately 40 high quality apartments, flexible commercial space suitable for medical or office use, and a much more visible and attractive entrance to the Ground, with an additional service entrance to the west side of the site.

New 5-star conference and event space is also proposed at the south west end of the pitch, with much improved facilities and up to date club offices will also likely move into the South Stand.

At the north end of the Ground, new and improved seating for spectators is proposed, supported with bars, new toilets and refreshment facilities; and the existing hospitality rooms in the south east corner will be replaced with new seating stands.

Continued Rob Andrew, “Our facilities can be improved and there are many aspects which would make them more efficient and financially effective, allowing us to offer a better range of events and activities at the ground and supporting our community work across the county.”

Roffey Homes, an award winning locally-based development firm, has been selected to work with the club on the first phase of the masterplan. 

The proposals can be viewed online at: www.sussexcricket.co.uk from 26 February to 12 March 2019 inviting comment from the public. Project team email: sussexcricket@naturalpr.biz