Inline

Pavilion Project Update - May 2011

THE NEED ...

The existing Blackheath pavilion was built in 1957 and has been extended several times over the years.
Though it served well when first constructed, it is no longer adequate for the needs of a modern club with around 75 senior playing members and over 170 colts.
Almost every aspect of the facilities falls well short of acceptable standards, including the kitchen, loos, showers, changing facilities, bar and storage.
Services are inadequate, insulation is almost non-existent and there are no disabled facilities of any kind – a real issue, especially given the club’s new disability section.
The existing building is also extremely expensive to maintain, with large annual repair bills over the past few years and even larger ones in the foreseeable future, such as for replacing the roof.
Although consideration was given to undertaking a major refurbishment project, it was not felt that expenditure of the level required could be justified on the existing building. The only sensible option was to start from scratch ...

THE CONCEPT ...

From the outset, the club was acutely aware that any replacement pavilion would have to do justice to its outstandingly beautiful setting, and complement the architectural style of the village. The unique concept behind the club’s plans is to build a new pavilion based on a never-built design drawn up around 120 years ago by the Arts & Crafts architect, Charles Harrison Townsend.
Townsend, who was well-known in his day, designed various public buildings in London, but also many buildings in Blackheath, including St Martin’s Church, the Village Hall and about a dozen private houses. The sketch which has provided our inspiration can be seen below. It appeared in an architectural magazine in 1896:

It was intended as a cottage for Townsend himself, and was to be built in Blackheath – then referred to as part of Chilworth. We do not know why it was never built – but we think it is a great model for a traditional cricket pavilion ... and we think Townsend himself (who was keen on cricket) would have been delighted with this idea!

THE DESIGN ...

First draft plans for the new pavilion were drawn up by Sarah Sullivan of Adam Architecture some 18 months ago. Since then, the plans have gone through many revisions after discussions with numerous interested parties, including the immediate neighbours, the landlord, Waverley BC, Surrey Cricket, the ECB and others.
We have looked at a number of different design options but have settled on a single storey building with a separate mower store.
Although the exterior of the building is traditional in appearance, the interior complies with strict ECB guidelines for new pavilions. Some of these guidelines (e.g. that both changing rooms must have a view of the pitch) have caused us a few issues, but we feel that the end result will work well, as well as complementing the beautiful setting.
As appears from the drawings, the building is raised on a low plateau to improve the view of the pitch – also reflecting Townsend’s original design. It is intended that in future the main viewing area will be the terrace to the south of the building, which will catch the evening sun.
The main entrance will be on the north side, facing you as you approach from the car-park.
The triple-aspect bar will be the focal point of the clubroom, with sight-lines to the main entrance and the south terrace, as well as of course to the pitch. Concertina doors along the east side will enable us to open up the whole front of the building, giving a spectacular view of the action!
The building will be situated almost exactly on the site of the existing pavilion, although it will be a bit larger. The new machine store or “mower house” will also be designed in the Townsend style and will be located just to the south of the site of the existing sheds.

THE COST ...

There are still a few imponderables in the costing process, but our best estimate is that the new building will cost in the region of £300,000.
Detailed costings are being prepared on the basis of 3 phase project:

Phase 1: Groundworks and services
Phase 2: Erection of timber frame structure
Phase 3: Remaining external works and internal fit out

It is critical that the building be completed over the closed season, and the rationale for a timber frame construction is that a weatherproof structure can be erected in a matter of days. It is envisaged that phases 1 and 2 will be carried out entirely by external contractors, but that in phase 3 we will make use of club members’ own skills as well. We also hope that members and local companies may be willing to donate materials through the NatWest CricketForce scheme.
Although it is not clear, we are assuming for present purposes that VAT will be payable on the vast majority of the project costs.
If you think you can help in any way with the project management or construction side of the project, please let us know.

THE FUNDRAISING ...

Raising £300,000 is obviously a huge challenge, especially in the current economic climate. However we have got off to a flying start – we already know where £75,000 will be coming from. The fundraising will involve a whole combination of different elements, including:

Donations – these can be with Gift Aid
Loans/guarantees – though we want to keep these to a minimum
Annual Picnics & Pimms events at Chilworth Manor – click here for further details
A major fundraising ball in 2012
A celebrity cricket event at Blackheath, involving former England players
A whole range of other fundraising events
Sponsorship – especially from our main sponsor Strutt & Parker
Grant funding – we hope to receive significant support from the ECB, and there are several other potential grants available.
If you would like to get involved in the fundraising, please tell us, or email Richard Brocksom

THE TIMELINE ...

The current timeline looks like this ...

May- June 2011 – remaining consultations
June 2011 – application for planning permission
Thursday 23 June 2011 – our first major fundraising event: Picnics and Pimm’s at Chilworth Manor
2011-2012 – fundraising continues with several other major events
September 2012 – existing pavilion demolished, construction begins
April 2013 – new pavilion opens

THE TEAM ...

We have already put together a formidable team of club members and local residents, divided into Project, Fundraising and Building Teams. Some of the key players are:

Club Chairman: Graham Webb
Project Team Chairman: Nick Harrison
Fundraising Team Chairman: Richard Brocksom
Architect: Sarah Sullivan of Adam Architecture
Designer and computer modelling: Simon Jones

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Apart from making a donation – which of course will be very welcome! – there are all sorts of ways in which we need your help if this project is to become a reality. These include:

Selling tickets for the Picnics & Pimm’s event at Chilworth Manor
Helping steward the Picnics & Pimm’s event on Thursday, 23rd June
Helping organise other fundraising events
Donating an auction prize for the fundraising ball
Giving your time/expertise on the building project
Donating materials for the building project

If you would be willing to help in any of these ways – or in any other way – please fill in one of our leaflets with your contact details and give it to one of our team. Every contribution helps!

Many thanks, Nick Harrison
PROJECT TEAM CHAIRMAN