Cricket club rethinks development

The County Ground has been home to Sussex cricket for 167 years

Bigger crowds from Twenty20 cricket and uncertainty in the property market have prompted a rethink on redevelopment plans at Sussex County Cricket Club.

The club has planning permission to rebuild its Gilligan stand and put up a new South West terrace at the County Ground, with offices and flats above.

But the loss-making club said it now wanted to enlarge ground capacity to accommodate 7,000 to 10,000 spectators.

It said it also wanted the Hove ground to be financially sustainable.

The cricket club said it wanted a year-round destination, with high design standards.

"Sussex is currently recording trading losses and the need for a comprehensive redevelopment is the only way we can guarantee to sustain a top-performing side in Sussex," said chairman Jim May.

Brighton & Hove City Council granted the existing planning permission in April last year.

Spectator capacity

At that time, the club warned it may be forced to quit the County Ground after 167 years unless the plans were approved.

A report to the planning committee said it was not the club's intention to raise the spectator capacity significantly.

It can currently hold 7,000 for Twenty20s, with temporary seating, and 5,000 for other games.

But now the club has appointed consultants Pan-Leisure to conduct a feasibility study on the redevelopment.

"It might take two to three years working with the city council and other stakeholders to see tangible and permanent improvements," said Mr May.

"In the meantime we are asking Pan-Leisure to fast-track work on the business case for the demolition of the Gilligan and South West terrace, or an alternative configuration at the South End of the ground.

"This would be to provide more temporary seating for the 2009 season, to cater for the crowds expected for the Twenty20 and for when the Australians play at Hove prior to the Ashes."

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