Public consultation launches into relocation of cricket club
A public consultation has been launched into the relocation of a Cheshire cricket club.
Muller Property Group said the proposals for Aston Cricket Club, located south west of Nantwich, mark a significant step to ensure the future success and sustainability of the venue that dates back to the 19th century, and has owned the current site on Sheppenhall Lane since 1954.
Over the past 20 years, new housing developments around the club’s boundary have resulted in the ground being deemed too small for senior cricket by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Faced with these circumstances, Muller Property Group and the club have developed a plan that includes a potential relocation, partnerships, and community involvement.
Aston Cricket Club, like many local sports clubs, faces challenges such as funding, maintaining facilities, and attracting new members. Financially, the club cannot afford new facilities without development on the existing pitch. The development of the current location for housing will cross-fund the new facilities, with any surplus allocated to create a fund for the future running of the club.
Muller said the proposed relocation site will offer modern facilities, including improved pitches, training areas, and a clubhouse providing better access and opportunities for community events and local engagement that caters to all age groups and abilities.
The proposal for the current Cricket Club site is for a new residential development that will provide up to 43 new dwellings including an allocation of 30% of dwellings for affordable housing.
Patrick Beesley, chairman, Aston Cricket Club, said: “Aston Cricket Club is delighted to be working with Muller Property Group with our relocation project. Our current ground is too small since we have been hemmed in by housing so the only way (as advised by the ECB) we can continue to play cricket in the long term and develop Senior Men’s and Women’s, Junior Boy’s and Girl’s Cricket plus maintaining the Midweek Team and our Local KO Competition is to relocate.”
