Pavilion plans unveiled as Heywood Cricket Club bowls for a greener future

Saturday, 11 October 2025 11:27

By David Murphy

A historic cricket club in Heywood is aiming for a six with planners, having submitted a formal application to Rochdale Borough Council to build a new eco-friendly community pavilion.

Heywood Cricket Club has officially submitted plans to replace its long-standing temporary building with a purpose-built, net-zero facility that will include a modern kitchen, bar, and open-plan space for wider community use. The development aims to deliver improved accessibility, reduce running costs, and create a hub that serves both the club and the town year-round.

The proposal would see the demolition of a 15-year-old Portacabin currently used as a tea room and store at the club’s Aspinall Street ground. Planning documents submitted by sustainability specialists Net Zero Clubs confirm the current structure is “no longer fit for purpose” and lacks suitable access.

The new pavilion design features an open-plan interior with fixed seating, a kitchen with internal and external hatches, modern toilet facilities, and a dedicated umpires’ changing room with shower and secure storage. Crucially, the building will meet current accessibility standards with level access throughout.

Environmental sustainability is central to the project. The club says the new structure will be constructed using low-carbon methods and powered by renewable technologies such as solar panels and electric heat pumps.

Net Zero Clubs stated:

“The proposed facility is set to achieve the highest environmental standards, with a strong focus on minimising operational energy whilst remaining conscious of upfront, embodied and life cycle carbon emissions.”

Founded in 1865, Heywood Cricket Club has been part of the local sporting landscape for over 150 years. The club currently fields three senior and five junior teams and runs England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) youth programmes like All Stars and Dynamos. It also regularly hosts Lancashire County Cricket Club Women’s fixtures and county age group matches.

The new pavilion would help the club meet increasing demand from both players and local groups.

“To meet growing demand and support wider community use, the club proposes a new, accessible community building,” Net Zero Clubs added.
“The community hub will support year-round activity, including sport, community groups, charities and health initiatives.”

The development has already generated buzz online, with the club issuing a rallying social media statement:

In Case You Missed It… Big Plans at Heywood Cricket Club!
Exciting times ahead at Heywood Cricket Club, as our proposed new pavilion and ground development
We’re aiming to transform Crimble into a modern, community-focused sports hub, improving facilities for players, members and visitors, and creating a space the whole town can be proud of.

As we move forward, fundraising and sponsorship will play a huge role in bringing this vision to life.
Keep an eye out for opportunities for individuals and local businesses to get involved and support the project, helping us invest in the future of cricket and community sport in Heywood.
Stay tuned for updates on how you can contribute, together, we can make this exciting next chapter a reality! ”

The planning application is now live and awaiting a decision from Rochdale Borough Council.

https://publicaccess.rochdale.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=T29QVXNBJJB00

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