Calderdale village park pavilion could be handed to cricket club for next 125 years

The future of the pavilion in Stainland Recreation Ground is being discussed by Calderdale Council’s cabinet when it meets on Monday.

Fully transferring the pavilion to Stainland Cricket Club to run will allow it to develop it further, with resulting wider community benefits, senior councillors are told.

Stainland Cricket Club leases the cricket and bowling pavilion but it is interested in taking the premises on more fully as a Community Asset Transfer from Calderdale Council.

The cricket and bowling pavilion is situated at the centre of Stainland Memorial Park, in the heart of the village, and is surrounded by its associated sports grounds and parkland.

The building and associated grounds are owned by the council and leased to the cricket club with a peppercorn rent.

But in addition to sport, the site supports wider community use and as a result of growth in demand for use of the pavilion, the club recently self-funded a significant renovation, which increased the capacity of the building and brought the cricket and bowling club together, councillors are told.

Further, they are told to enable the club to further develop the building, with potential grant funding supporting wider improvements, the club wants to take responsibility for the pavilion for 125 years, by means of an asset transfer.

As part of the application process, the club has stated its aims to expand cricket and bowling provision, develop partnerships with local schools and churches, offer professional development for volunteers, and increase the range of social and sporting activities there.

The initial business case has been reviewed, with council officers recognising it has been well prepared, presented and is thorough.

The club has also undertaken a wide range of engagement which has shown strong local support for their plans, according to the briefing papers.

The club’s vision for the pavilion and associated land aligns with the council’s priorities and aspirations, and it’s recommended that cabinet approve the progression of the transfer, allowing work to take place with the club to move to the next stage in the process.

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for Corporate Services, Assets and Resources, Coun Mike Payne, said: “We’re pleased to consider the application from Stainland Cricket Club to take on the pavilion in Stainland.

“The club has successfully run the building through a lease arrangement for some time and is keen to take advantage of opportunities for grant funding applications to further improve and invest in the facility.”