Step towards new pavilion

Feb 29 2008 By Paul Bolton

WARWICKSHIRE'S chief executive Colin Povey has welcomed the decision of the county's members to approve an increase in borrowing levels which could help develop a new pavilion at Edgbaston.

The increase was approved as part of a major constitutional reform which was proposed by the club at the county's annual general meeting at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Previous borrowing levels were limited to £5 million but Warwickshire will have to raise around £30 million for the new pavilion which they need to build to keep Edgbaston as a top international venue.

Though Warwickshire hope to partially fund the project from increased revenue from more major matches, the sale of part of Edgbaston for a retail and housing development and possible support from Birmingham City Council, the ability to borrow more from the bank has given them a bit more flexibility.

The importance of international cricket to Warwickshire was reflected in the club's accounts presented by treasurer Steven Mills. Without a Test Match last year Warwickshire lost a record £893,000. With a Test Match this year they are predicting a profit of £500,000.

But with increased competition from new international venues such as Cardiff, Southampton and Chester-le-Street for major matches, Warwickshire need to improve facilities to ensure they continue to attract international cricket to Birmingham.

"If we don't have a stadium fit for a Class A international ground then we are going to be relegated to a Class B or C stadium and that is not acceptable," Mills said.

Warwickshire hope to submit planning permission during the summer for a retail and housing development on the Pershore Road side of the ground which they hope will part-fund their new pavilion, work on which is due to start in September 2009.

But they still have obstacles to over-come, particularly one resident who is unwilling to sell her house. Warwickshire hope that Birmingham council might accelerate the compulsory purchase procedure.

New director of cricket Ashley Giles promised to put the smile back on the face of Warwickshire cricket after a campaign which saw the county relegated in both league competitions and the sacking of his sullen predecessor Mark Great-batch.

Captain Darren Maddy claimed the club's batting prize, wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose won the allrounder's award, but the bowling prize was not awarded as it was felt that no-one merited it in a season in which no bowler claimed 40 wickets.

A special presentation was made to long-serving all-rounder Dougie Brown to mark his 17 years on the playing staff. Brown has now been appointed as elite player coach.

Meanwhile Warwickshire have confirmed that they have submitted bids for 14 of the 31 major matches, international games and domestic cup finals, that have been put out for tender in 2009-2011.

Warwickshire are realistic enough to expect to be awarded only five of those games at very most, but their aggressive bidding, which focuses strongly on Edgbaston's geographical location at the centre of the country, suggests that they are determined to ensure they stage as many major matches as possible.