Major makeover for pavillion
A $300,000 fundraiser is underway to extend and renovate Cambridge’s home of cricket at Victoria Square.
Behind the upgrade is The Cambridge Cricket Association, which claim the pavilion at the square is outdated and not suited for its 530 players.
The pavilion was built in 1954 and a first-floor level was added in 1986.
But the association’s chairman Simon Dodds said the pavilion could not meet the expectations of people playing the sport today.
Also, its value as a multi-sport facility was limited.
‘‘Just one changing room struggles to accommodate one team let alone two, substandard showers and one male toilet.
‘‘Its future use as a multigender sports facility is questionable.’’
Cricket is growing in Cambridge and the association wants to provide a good base for the sport to develop.
Every season Cambridge would host representative matches at Victoria Square, as well as Waikato Valley competition games.
These provide a level of competition for players under the watchful eye of the Northern Districts Cricket selectors and locals who want to see them continue here.
Playing captains are asked to assess the facilities after each game and while the grounds receive favourable comment, the facilities don’t, ‘‘highlighting the need for improvement’’, said Dodds.
The new plans will see the building double its size and include another changing room with showers on the ground floor. There will be new toilets for players but they’d be available for men and women to use.
This will allow for a first-floor extension of the lounge as well as kitchen and bar facilities.
Dodds believed the renovation would appeal to other clubs, sporting organisations plus the business community to use because of its outlook and central location.
The association’s fundraising committee has $80,000 to date from personal pledges from the cricketing fraternity and has grant applications in front of The Grassroots Charity and Sport Waikato.
Other fundraising ventures are being planned and Dodds said naming rights to the pavilion is available to be discussed.