Cricket / Gloucestershire Cricket
Gloucestershire eye up site in South Glos for new cricket stadium
Gloucestershire Cricket have taken the next steps that could see them move from their historic home in Ashley Down.
A ‘non-binding heads of terms agreement’ has been signed which cricket club bosses say “will enable it to explore an area of land for potential development of a new home for the club”.
Gloucestershire have played in Bristol since 1889 when cricketing colossus WG Grace helped buy the ground on Nevil Road.
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The site they have earmarked is called Swanmoor Stoke between Severn Beach and Almondsbury in South Glos, close to The Wave, which could also see the construction of 3,000 new homes.
With remarkable understatement, Gloucestershire bosses say the site is less than a mile from Pilning railway station, the least used railway station in Gloucestershire, “which would require updating”.
It is less than a year since Ashley Down station reopened just a few hundred yards from their current ground.
The club say that their “primary focus for the coming months will be in developing opportunities at Swanmoor Stoke” but that “whatever the outcome of those discussions, the Seat Unique Stadium at Nevil Road will continue to serve as the county’s home for the foreseeable future”.
International matches are scheduled to be played at Nevil Road until 2032, with a sale of the site likely to fund the club’s possible move to South Glos.
Gloucestershire have played county cricket in Ashley Down since 1889 – photo: Gloucestershire Cricket
In a statement released late on Monday evening, club chair Peter Matthews said: “We know that the subject of a prospective ground move is important to our members, local residents and stakeholders, and we are committed to communicate any developments with all concerned at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Whilst today’s announcement shows continued momentum in our search for a possible new home, it doesn’t materially change the status quo.
“We are not tied into any legal deal and whilst the board-appointed team will continue to work up the club’s options in line with the non-binding heads of terms, the entirety of our executive team will remain focused on running the club and making the Seat Unique Stadium a welcoming and enjoyable year-round destination for matches and events.
“It is important to stress that there is much detailed work to do before we can put specific proposals to the board for its consideration.
“So, whilst this looks like a tremendous opportunity, the project is still at concept stage.
“We will be hosting a number of member and resident-focussed events in the weeks and months to come and we will be happy to answer questions that may arise at those sessions.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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