Amersham Cricket Club in Shardeloes will be undergoing a refurbishment of its pavilion facility thanks to a £65,330 grant from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF). The local community sports club was successful in their application to the fund and will be set to complete the upgrade later this year in the summer.
The funding will be used to repair the pavilion by recladding and replacing the roof of the building to make it watertight. The pavilion is a unique wooden structure which complements the grounds, but is in need of repair in order for the building to be weatherproof. New cladding and roofing will retain its aesthetic charm and ensure it remains fit for purpose.
The HS2 Community and Business funds were launched in 2017, and have now awarded £9million to projects between London and the West Midlands. In Buckinghamshire, a total of 47 projects have shared over £2.7million. Projects have ranged from upgrades to swimming pools, improved children’s play areas, to a new café and visitors centre at Wendover Woods.
Ian Rogers, Chairman of Amersham Cricket Club, said:
“We are delighted to have been successful in our grant application and receive the support of HS2 to refurbish our cricket pavilion. Our ground at Shardeloes is a beautiful location but the pavilion was showing signs of much needed repair. Our many members along with the children and parents of the nursery school who use our pavilion will benefit hugely from the refurbishment. Once completed we would hope to attract even more members to come and enjoy the lovely facility.”
Cathy Elliott, Independent Chair of the HS2 Funds, said:
“The HS2 Funds are available to support local communities and businesses that are impacted by the construction of HS2. Sports facilities are vital for local communities, promoting physical activity and also providing valuable hubs for social cohesion. I am pleased that Amersham Cricket Club is benefitting from the Funds and welcome other organisations near to the line of route to apply and gain the tangible benefits.”
As construction of HS2 gets underway, applications for the funds are still being welcomed. The Funds for Phase One, independently administered by community charity Groundwork UK, support urban and rural, community, environmental and business projects.