Vital Restoration of Community All-Weather Facilities, Aston Manor Cricket Club, West Midlands

This project aims to restore and refurbish the all-weather sporting facilities at Aston Manor Cricket Club, which have deteriorated over nearly two decades of use. Serving over 250 weekly users, including local schools, universities, and community groups, the facility plays a vital role in promoting physical activity. However, due to extensive wear and storm damage, the facilities have been deemed unsafe, necessitating urgent refurbishment.

The refurbishment will involve the removal of existing surfaces, replacement of the aggregate base, and installation of new tufted surfaces across a 30m x 12m area. Additional safety enhancements will include the installation of 3mm netting and a vermin skirt to prevent further damage. These improvements will create a sustainable, weather-resistant facility suitable for year-round use.

The project will ensure the continuation of sports programmes, youth outreach, and fitness activities in an area ranked among the top 20% most deprived in England. By providing a safe and accessible facility, the project will help address health and activity inequalities and encourage greater community participation in sport.

The project will benefit a wide range of existing users, including junior and senior teams (teams include U7’s, U9’s. U11’s, U13’s, U15’s, U18’s and 3 senior teams), university teams (Birmingham City University and University College Birmingham), local schools, and community groups (Perry Barr Youth Outreach, and Birmingham Asian Sports Association). With an estimated 15,000 uses annually, the upgraded facility will attract new members, improve retention, and facilitate more local events.

Environmental considerations: Environmental sustainability is a key priority for this project. Recycled materials, such as GeoPad surfacing, will be used, and existing aggregate will be repurposed wherever possible to minimise waste and reduce reliance on new raw materials. All removed materials will be disposed of responsibly through recycling or designated waste management facilities, ensuring minimal landfill waste. To further reduce environmental impact, low-energy construction methods, such as the use of hand tools where feasible, will be implemented, and materials and contractors will be sourced locally to lower transport-related carbon emissions. Proper drainage solutions will be integrated during the re-levelling process to prevent waterlogging and reduce surface runoff, mitigating the risk of local flooding. Additionally, a vermin skirt will be installed as a humane and environmentally friendly measure to protect the facility without the use of harmful chemicals or traps. Throughout construction, all necessary precautions will be taken to prevent disruption to local wildlife and natural habitats, ensuring the project aligns with responsible environmental practices.

Hard to reach considerations: The organisation delivers free outreach initiatives, including the Young Talent Programme, which supports over 50 underprivileged children on a weekly basis, and the Perry Barr Youth Outreach programme, which engages with at-risk youth. These initiatives are designed to provide accessible opportunities tailored to the needs of underrepresented groups, both of which will directly benefit from this project. Given that 57% of the Perry Barr ward identifies as BAME, this project acknowledges the cultural factors influencing participation in physical activity. Collaboration with community faith groups and organisations such as the Birmingham Asian Sports Association ensures the promotion of culturally sensitive activities, fostering an inclusive environment in all weather conditions. Partnerships with local institutions, including schools, universities (such as Birmingham City University), and community groups, integrate physical activity into their programmes, encouraging engagement among young people and students from diverse backgrounds.