Work underway to create new cricket ground in Mountsorrel
Published: Thu 22nd August, 2024
Photo shows back left to right: Chris Grace, head of economic development and regeneration, John Walpole and Steve Cornish, committee members at Mountsorrel Castle Cricket Club. Front left to right: Cllr Liz Blackshaw, parish and borough councillor for Mountsorrel and Ross Willmott, manager at Mountsorrel Parish Council.
A cricket club in Mountsorrel will be playing their home matches at a new ground thanks to the support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Work has begun on a new cricket pitch on Seaton Road as part of a project by Mountsorrel Parish Council.
The first phase of the project will see the laying of the new pitch which will be used by Mountsorrel Castle Cricket Club from the summer of 2026.
The project has received £250,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of 10 projects chosen for support by Charnwood Borough Council. The Council has been allocated £4 million from the fund to invest in communities, support local businesses and improve skills.
Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “It is fantastic to see this project underway as it will offer high level sporting facilities for the local community.
“This is one of a number of projects we are supporting through the fund and we are starting to see real improvements across the whole of the borough.
“I look forward to seeing this project progress and the facilities once they are finished.”
Ross Willmott, manager at Mountsorrel Parish Council, said: “The cricket pitch will become a great hub for the community to come together at a modern sporting facility.
“The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has given us vital funding to go towards this project which will benefit the people of Mountsorrel and the surrounding areas for many years to come.”
Mountsorrel Castle Cricket Club currently plays their home matches on the War Memorial Fields.
As part of a second phase of the project, the parish council is also planning to create a new pavilion at the cricket pitch on Seaton Road.
The new pavilion will include changing rooms, toilets, a bar and kitchen and space for local community groups to hire.
New football pitches will also be created to the side of the cricket pitch and Mountsorrel Football Club’s senior and junior teams will be able to use the facilities for their home matches.
The total cost of the project is around £4m.
Other projects being backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Charnwood Borough Council include redevelopment of a scout hut, backing a three-year youth support programme, improving the wellbeing and skills of young people as well as regenerating Shepshed’s Market Place.
For more information, visit our UKSPF webpage.