Council support for cricket club
15 March 2012
Bristol City Council has been working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to provide a bridging loan until the outcome of a planning application on the County Ground in Ashley Down is resolved.
The temporary secured loan of £400,000 has been agreed between the two organisations and will be repaid regardless of any outcome of the planning application.
Following many years of the Club working to develop the Ground, the loan will help support the ongoing efforts to improve the facilities, invest in cricket for the region and secure international matches.
The loan does not prejudice the separate independent planning decision-making process by the council’s cross-party development control committee.
Simon Cook, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Capital Projects, said: “As part of our duties as a local authority, we are keen to support organisations that are valuable to the City and important to its residents.
“We understand how important sport is for the successful infrastructure of the region and have always been supportive of the cricket club in their ambition to retain international cricket at the Nevil Road ground.
“Offering a loan is a pragmatic way we can help over the next few months while they work on the development plans for the ground. Its repayment is guaranteed whether their plans proceed or not, so does not in any way prejudice the council’s independent planning decision making process.”
Tom Richardson, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, said: “Entering into this agreement with the council is a positive move for the Club and we are grateful to have received their support in this financial matter.
“As a long-standing member of the Bristol community and a popular member’s club, it is a priority for us to ensure our future at Nevil Road.
“This is specifically so we can deliver a fit-for-purpose facility that will host international matches and also invest in a high quality and standard of county cricket – something we believe is of great benefit to the region in general.”
