Cricket season is underway in Budleigh Salterton as new clubhouse showcases build update

The construction of the new clubhouse for Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, designed by Devon-based firm, New Space Architecture, is coming on leaps and bounds, with aims to open by the end of the year.

New Space Architecture, has provided an exciting update on the construction of Budleigh Salterton’s purpose-built cricket club. The project has reached significant milestones, with the completion of the steel frame, installation of glazing, and the positioning of seam cladding for the roof and walls. 

The new cricket pitches have also been put to good use, marking the beginning of a new season with an exhilarating match against rivals, Bovey Tracey, last month.

The relocation of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club from Ottermouth to Janey’s field is an integral part of the Environmental Agency's ambitious £15 million Lower Otter Restoration Project, which has been subject to countless floods over the years. The project aims to return the area to a more natural state by increasing biodiversity and improving habitats.

The club has been designed to meet the specific requirements of a modern and inclusive cricket facility and will act as a social venue for the wider community. 

With the start of a new season, there are temporary facilities in place so everyone can still enjoy the sport, including a pop-up bar, a marquee with seating, temporary toilets and food stalls. 

When open, the new clubhouse will be fully accessible to all users, with sports and changing facilities on the ground floor and a large entertaining and social space upstairs complete with a stunning raised balcony, giving 180° panoramic views across the two new cricket pitches and out to sea.

Club chairman Joel Murphy said: “I’m immensely proud to welcome our players, members, sponsors, supporters and our wider community to what will be a landmark year in our club’s history. 

“Our volunteer teams and ground staff have been working around the clock to get the club ready to be able to host what will be a fantastic season. More cricket than ever before in our 165-year history will be played at our club. I’ve not been as excited as this for many years about an upcoming season, and I look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

Mitch Temple, Founding Director of New Space Architecture says, “It’s wonderful to see the new cricket pitches in use and how far the build has come.”

“This facility will not only meet the needs of the cricket club in enabling people of all ages, genders and abilities to be able to access the sport, but also, provide a fantastic new space for the wider community to enjoy.”

With the fundamentals now in place at the new facility, the cricket club hopes to move into the clubhouse when construction completes later in the year.