Ashes glory transforms Warwickshire fortunes
ASHES glory has helped to transform the fortunes of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. The club announced last night it had seen profits increase to £1.2m last year compared with just £450,000 a year before.
Even though last summer’s Test Match against the Australians failed to match the highs of the epic series in 2005, the figures were still a significant increase on those seen four years ago.
The announcement, revealed to members last night, is welcome news as the club embarks on the massive £30m regeneration of the Edgbaston ground.
Colin Povey, WCCC chief executive, told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are delighted with the results, which owe a great deal to the success of the Test Match but also to the club’s performance both on and off the field.”
The Test Match hosted by the club last year attracted around 100,000 fans to the ground; while the Warwickshire team’s good performance on its return to Division One of the County Championship was also a plus for the club.
“Test Match cricket remains hugely popular, particularly when England and Australia meet. It is vital that Edgbaston retains these high profile international fixtures,” added Mr Povey.
The club will be hoping for an equally strong performance this summer when it hosts an England v Pakistan Test Match, a one-day international against Bangladesh, and two neutral one-day internationals between Pakistan and Australia.
The strong performance underlines the club’s plans for a successful future, which will be underpinned by the redevelopment of the ground.
The improvements to the pavilion and members area will see ground capacity increased to 25,000 and a host of modern facilities introduced.
“Spectators demand better facilities today and if we are to retain our status as a world-class venue then we have to keep up with the times.
“The improvements will be a massive boost to the club and will ensure that we retain our Test Match status,” said Mr Povey.
He also thanked Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands for the support they had given the club over the redevelopment.
“Their support has been really important and it will ensure that Birmingham retains an iconic sporting venue well into the 21st century,” he added.
Members of the club have been provided alternative facilities in the ground’s Wyatt Stand while the redevelopment takes place and a huge marquee is being erected in the grounds to host various functions.
“The ground’s capacity has been reduced to around 17,000 while the work takes place but once it is finished it will be a venue Birmingham and the West Midlands can be proud off,” added Mr Povey.
