Tenders to be invited for construction of replacement club pavilion

A Yorkshire cricket club which had its pavilion destroyed in an arson attack has received planning consent for a replacement clubhouse and plans to invite construction companies to tender for the build in the coming weeks.

Olicanian Cricket Club in Ilkley was left with a charred ruin after the fire in August last year.

Plans for a replacement were submitted in January but the fact its Denton Road ground lies in the River Wharfe’s recently expanded flood risk zone delayed the planning progress.

Bradford planners have now signed off the replacement and the club hopes work can start in November with completion some time during the 2021 cricket season.

OCC chairman, David House, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning consent. We’ve had to modify the plans to accommodate the requirements of the Environment Agency.

“Our ground has been flooded a few times in recent years and whilst the floodwaters never reached our former pavilion, the plans for its replacement had to take into account how climate change may affect us in the future.

“The Environment Agency has now signed off our modifications and the planners, who have been very supportive, have now passed the proposal.”

The new pavilion’s lounge and bar area will be able to accommodate up to 90 diners and will be available for use by non-cricket organisations for dinners and other celebrations.

 The building was designed for free by Bill Horsley of Ilkley-based architectural practise Horsley-Townsend.

Local property developer and Olicanian CC trustee, James Turner, has overseen the project on behalf of the club.

It is believed more than £350,000 will be required to complete the development and the club may need around £80,000 in grants and donations.

House added: “The insurance claim after last year’s fire will cover the bulk of the build cost. In addition, in the immediate aftermath of the fire we were thrilled to received more than £20,000 in donations from the public and other organisations.”

At the time of the fire, many businesses and sub-contractors offered to contribute to the rebuild free of charge.

House said: “We recognise that Coronavirus has changed the situation for many, but we shall be getting in touch with people in the coming months to see if those offers of help are still there.”

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