After six months of building works and renovation around the ground, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club have successfully completed the redesign and improvements to the players and official’s facilities at The County Ground.
Improvements consisted of re-engineering the changing rooms for both home and away sides, as well as the officials’ room, coaches and support staff work spaces, whilst making the entire facility more inclusive for all playing teams and officials who use the space during a Cricket season.
The club have an action-packed summer ahead and Chief Executive Ray Payne believes the improvements are necessary for the club to move forward with the changing landscape of cricket.
“The old facilities we had were very dated, too small and they were not designed for the diversity that we have now in cricket.
“We wanted to make sure that the cricketing changing space is as inclusive as possible and we believe we have done that by improving the changing rooms, making them more gender neutral in the hope that we can host more women’s games in the future, both domestic and international.” Payne added.
When asked about the recent developments, Payne was pleased with the result of the project.
“I’m delighted to say it was in the making for two years, it took six months to build, but we finished the project on time and within budget.
“The £1 million spent within the ground is a big investment but it’s an investment for the future. It’ll help retain players, attract players, attract international fixtures and help cement the future of Northamptonshire as a first-class county.” He said.
The result of the developments has allowed in a 30% increase in footprint for the cricketers and has allowed for the club to become a more inclusive workplace.
“The changes have made operations at the club a lot easier, everyone now has access to the first-class facilities, equality and inclusivity were part of our brief to the architects.” Said Operations Manager Jonathan Taylor.
“We installed a lift so people with accessible needs can reach the facilities which now makes us a far more inclusive employer, this extends not only to cricketers but the office space for the commercial teams that work in the building on the first floor.” He added.
With improvements made to the changing rooms, the club can now welcome teams with excellent facilities, which has gained congratulatory feedback, including that from the new ECB CEO, Richard Gould.
“The feedback has been extremely positive, and we are pleased with the results. Our targets have been reached and we are looking forward to using the improved facilities for our men’s matches but also to welcome the Sunrisers and England Women over the summer.” Payne said.
Northamptonshire return to the County Ground on the 11th May where they welcome Nottinghamshire in their fifth game of the LV= Insurance County Championship.