
Portsmouth cricketers have drawn up attractive plans to refurbish the 50-year old pavilion and clubhouse at their St Helen’s Ground on Southsea seafront.
But they need to raise £20,000 by early January to reach the figure of £70,000 to be able to undertake the whole project. Unfortunately additional funding from Sport England has been turned down.
The club has long out-grown the existing pavilion which was built back in 1970, when only Saturday and Sunday cricket, plus a handful of midweek colts matches were played on the ground.
“In a normal summer, the ground is a hive of cricket activity seven days a week,” smiled Portsmouth chairman Rick Marston.
“We field three adult Saturday teams, plus occasional Sunday friendlies, with a strong and vibrant junior section. We have entered a 4th team in the Hampshire League for next season.
“Boys and girls as young as seven years of age come along in the hope of taking up and game, and progressing into our four junior age group sides.
“We run colts teams in the district under-nine, 11, 13 and 15 leagues and field successful sides in the U17 and U19 competitions, so you can see the level of activity we have at St Helen’s.”
Enhancements
Mr Marston explained that the pavilion was badly in need of refurbishment as well as a resign to meet growing needs.
Plans include:-
• A complete internal redesign of the pavilion, with a new entrance;
• Cladding and general external enhancements;
• Improvements to the ground floor changing, shower and toilet facilities, incorporating those for disabled persons and a flexible layout to accommodate women and girls;
• A roof top spectator balcony; and
• An improved bar and beer cellar.
Portsmouth are a long established ECB Clubmark organisation and a Senior Focus Club.
“The detailed plans we have drawn up – which have been submitted in a formal planning application to Portsmouth City Council – appear to have been well received,” Mr Marston added.
“We were very fortunate that a local architect and club member, Paul Watkinson drew up the plans and gave his time to the project for free.
“We are now seeking funding for the project from various sources, by means of grants, donations and a Crowdfunder, as well as setting aside ring-fenced club funds.
“We are now seeking support to raise funds and deliver a tip-top pavilion to enhance not only the ground but also our status in the Southern Premier League.
To support Portsmouth’s project, please click the Crowdfunding page link below.
“We have until January 3 2021 to generate £20,000 and if we hit this target with 100 or more supporters we can claim a further £10,000 from Sport England. Any contribution large or small will be hugely appreciated,” said Mr Marston.
"To help them with funding the project, Portsmouth CC need:-
• £20,000 from you, our Crowdfunding Team
• 100 Crowdfunding Supporters
• Pledges in by 11am on 3rd January 2021
“If we meet these targets, we generate a further £10,000 grant from Sport England and can develop the best pavilion in Hampshire!
“UK Taxpayers - Select "Gift Aid" on the Crowdfunder and HMRC will top up your gift by 25 per cent to support our cause,” Mr Marston added.
Take a look at Portsmouth’s plans below to see how they are seeking to improve the facilities at St Helen’s and sent any constructive comments on the proposals to portsmouthcc@hotmail.co.uk
Crowdfunder details and the architects drawings can be found on www.portsmouthhitscricket.com
But they need to raise £20,000 by early January to reach the figure of £70,000 to be able to undertake the whole project. Unfortunately additional funding from Sport England has been turned down.
The club has long out-grown the existing pavilion which was built back in 1970, when only Saturday and Sunday cricket, plus a handful of midweek colts matches were played on the ground.
“In a normal summer, the ground is a hive of cricket activity seven days a week,” smiled Portsmouth chairman Rick Marston.
“We field three adult Saturday teams, plus occasional Sunday friendlies, with a strong and vibrant junior section. We have entered a 4th team in the Hampshire League for next season.
“Boys and girls as young as seven years of age come along in the hope of taking up and game, and progressing into our four junior age group sides.
“We run colts teams in the district under-nine, 11, 13 and 15 leagues and field successful sides in the U17 and U19 competitions, so you can see the level of activity we have at St Helen’s.”
Enhancements
Mr Marston explained that the pavilion was badly in need of refurbishment as well as a resign to meet growing needs.
Plans include:-
• A complete internal redesign of the pavilion, with a new entrance;
• Cladding and general external enhancements;
• Improvements to the ground floor changing, shower and toilet facilities, incorporating those for disabled persons and a flexible layout to accommodate women and girls;
• A roof top spectator balcony; and
• An improved bar and beer cellar.
Portsmouth are a long established ECB Clubmark organisation and a Senior Focus Club.
“The detailed plans we have drawn up – which have been submitted in a formal planning application to Portsmouth City Council – appear to have been well received,” Mr Marston added.
“We were very fortunate that a local architect and club member, Paul Watkinson drew up the plans and gave his time to the project for free.
“We are now seeking funding for the project from various sources, by means of grants, donations and a Crowdfunder, as well as setting aside ring-fenced club funds.
“We are now seeking support to raise funds and deliver a tip-top pavilion to enhance not only the ground but also our status in the Southern Premier League.
To support Portsmouth’s project, please click the Crowdfunding page link below.
“We have until January 3 2021 to generate £20,000 and if we hit this target with 100 or more supporters we can claim a further £10,000 from Sport England. Any contribution large or small will be hugely appreciated,” said Mr Marston.
"To help them with funding the project, Portsmouth CC need:-
• £20,000 from you, our Crowdfunding Team
• 100 Crowdfunding Supporters
• Pledges in by 11am on 3rd January 2021
“If we meet these targets, we generate a further £10,000 grant from Sport England and can develop the best pavilion in Hampshire!
“UK Taxpayers - Select "Gift Aid" on the Crowdfunder and HMRC will top up your gift by 25 per cent to support our cause,” Mr Marston added.
Take a look at Portsmouth’s plans below to see how they are seeking to improve the facilities at St Helen’s and sent any constructive comments on the proposals to portsmouthcc@hotmail.co.uk
Crowdfunder details and the architects drawings can be found on www.portsmouthhitscricket.com