Engagement with Melton Borough Council, Historic England and Knipton Parish Council has resulted in a well-conceived and detailed proposal that enables the marvellous work of the Belvoir Cricket & Countryside Trust to run throughout the year rather than be restricted to the summer months, yet is sensitive to the setting of the Belvoir Castle Estate park and gardens and the proximity of the adjacent listed buildings. This too was echoed by the granting of planning permission for this delightful project which is fully supported by The Duke and Duchess of Rutland and The Belvoir Estate.

The ground is also home to Belvoir Cricket Club, so facilities that can be shared by both the Club and The Trust were paramount. A replacement pavilion building with a traditional village cricket pitch feel has been designed that comprises of 4 changing rooms, a club room to suit flexible scenarios and educational settings, a small bar and kitchen.

The interlinked indoor cricket school is a clean and simple barn like structure that takes reference from similar local estate/agricultural buildings and completes the facilities with WC’s and two inclusive changing rooms for less able bodied users, along with an equipment/maintenance store and an office.

Inclusivity for all is vitally important, with all areas to be accessible to encourage young people both able bodied and those with special needs to have a go at playing various forms of cricket and to enjoy the countryside.

We very much look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and knowing it will be providing amazing life experiences especially for children.

By HSSP Architects